The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout round continues, with three teams set to advance and three to exit after the Round of 32. Matches scheduled for Wednesday include England against DR Congo, Belgium facing Senegal, and co-hosts the United States playing Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Belgium vs. Senegal: Halftime Update
In the match between Belgium and Senegal, Senegal currently leads Belgium 1-0 at halftime. Habib Diarra scored for Senegal in the 25th minute. Senegal has shown strong attacking play throughout the first half, creating several scoring opportunities.
Belgium, coached by Rudi Garcia, will need to increase their energy and composure in the second half to turn the game around. Senegal, on the other hand, aims to maintain their current pace and attack to secure a victory.
This match, held in Vancouver, Canada, marks the first competitive meeting between these two teams. Both teams had similar group stage performances, starting slowly before securing blowout wins in their final group matches to advance. Senegal lost to France 3-1 and Norway 3-2, but a 5-0 victory over Iraq secured their knockout spot. Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt and 0-0 with Iran before a 5-1 win against New Zealand.
Belgium‘s lineup features key players like Kevin De Bruyne in midfield, supported by wingers Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard. The team’s coach, Rudi Garcia, faces a decision regarding the starting center forward, with both Charles De Ketelaere and Romelu Lukaku having started in the group stage without consistently convincing performances.
For Senegal, coach Pape Thiaw relies on the team’s athleticism in attack, with players such as Ismaïla Sarr, who scored three goals in the group stage, and Iliman Ndiaye, who made a significant impact against Iraq. Veteran captain Sadio Mané remains a central figure for the team. A concern for Senegal is the absence of star goalkeeper Edouard Mendy due to a knee injury, with Mory Diaw expected to start in his place. Belgium is considered the favorite due to their talent, experience, and an unbeaten streak of 16 games.
Upcoming Matches and Key Players
The opening game of the day features England against DR Congo in Atlanta. England, considered a contender for the title, will face DR Congo, a team that has garnered support from neutral fans. England‘s performance in the group stage included a 4-2 win over Croatia, a 0-0 draw with Ghana, and a 2-0 win over Panama.
England‘s offensive strength includes Harry Kane, wing options like Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka, and Jude Bellingham in midfield. Concerns for England‘s starting lineup include injuries to right-backs Reece James and Jarell Quansah, which could see Djed Spence start. Coach Thomas Tuchel aims for his team to start with high intensity, a factor that was reportedly missing in their last two games.
DR Congo secured a knockout berth as one of the best third-placed teams, achieving a draw against Portugal and a 3-1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan. Their only group stage defeat was a 1-0 loss to Colombia. The team, led by Sébastien Desabre, includes players with Premier League experience, such as Yoane Wissa, who has scored three goals in the group stage. DR Congo is expected to employ a physical and disciplined approach, likely using a 5-3-2 formation to defend deeply and counterattack swiftly.
Jude Bellingham, who was the Man of the Match in the 2-0 win over Panama, is expected to play a crucial role for England, particularly with Declan Rice anticipated to return to the starting lineup. Bellingham‘s role will involve breaking down DR Congo‘s defensive setup and creating opportunities for Kane or wingers, and also serving as a secondary scoring threat.
The final match of the day will see co-hosts the United States return to action against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. The United States earned six points in their group stage with wins over Paraguay and Australia, alongside a loss to Türkiye. The U.S. team has a historical record of one win, seven draws, and thirteen losses against European teams in this tournament since 1990.
In knockout matches, the U.S. team has won one while losing five since 1990. The United States will be looking for their second-ever knockout win in this tournament.
The United States team, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, will face a challenging Bosnia and Herzegovina team with a youthful roster. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, at 8 p.m. ET.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
