World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Results: USMNT Make History, Kane Rescues England, Belgium Survive a Scare
Archive: World Cup 2026 results July 1. This dated report covers a completed matchday. Use the final group standings and knockout bracket for the complete tournament context.
The World Cup 2026 Round of 32 results on July 1 delivered history, heartbreak and a heavy dose of controversy. On home soil, the United States ended a 24-year wait for a knockout win — with ten men. Harry Kane rode to England’s rescue after another slow start. And Belgium pulled off a stunning, contentious escape against Senegal, scoring three times in the dying minutes and extra time to break Senegalese hearts.
World Cup 2026 results July 1
It was a day that swung on red cards, VAR reviews and last-gasp drama — and it set up a thrilling Round of 16. Here’s everything that happened.
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England 2-1 DR Congo — Kane the hero, again
For an hour, English nerves were shredded. DR Congo, fearless and organised, stunned the Three Lions with an early Brian Cipenga strike and threatened one of the tournament’s great upsets. England, so often flat against a deep block, laboured — until their captain took over.
Harry Kane levelled with a header in the 75th minute, then won it with a twisting finish in the 86th to complete the turnaround and send England into the Round of 16. It was a rescue act worthy of a talisman, though it did little to silence the doubts about England’s rhythm. DR Congo, so brave, came within a late Yoane Wissa free kick — which sailed over — of extra time, and can leave with their heads held high after a historic tournament.
Belgium 3-2 Senegal (a.e.t.) — a great escape wrapped in controversy
This was the game of the day, and the most contentious. Senegal were sensational early, racing into a two-goal lead — Habib Diarra thrashing home a rebound — and looked to be cruising past a lifeless Belgium. Then came the chaos. The Red Devils struck twice in the final minutes of normal time, in the 86th and 89th, to force extra time and stun the Lions of Teranga.
The drama wasn’t done. Deep into the second period of extra time, in the 125th minute, Belgium were awarded a penalty for a tangle in the box — a decision fiercely disputed by Senegal’s players and one that sparked plenty of VAR debate. Youri Tielemans kept his nerve to convert and complete a 3-2 win. For Belgium, a great escape; for Senegal, a brutal, cruel exit.
USA 2-0 Bosnia — a night the USMNT will never forget
There was pain, there were nerves, and in the end there was history. Folarin Balogun put the co-hosts ahead just before half-time in Santa Clara, sending a raucous crowd into raptures — only to be shown a controversial red card in the 64th minute, forcing the United States to play more than half an hour a man down.
What followed was a backs-to-the-wall effort of real character. Mauricio Pochettino’s side dug in, kept Bosnia at bay, and then sealed it late through a beautiful Malik Tillman free kick. The result gives the USMNT their first World Cup knockout victory since 2002 — a genuine landmark for the sport in America, and a statement of resilience. The only downside: Balogun is suspended for the next round.
Why These World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Results Matter
The knockout picture is now taking dramatic shape. The USA’s victory keeps a genuine home dream alive and hands the co-hosts belief that they can go deep — even if they must do it without Balogun next time. England march on, but with familiar questions about how they beat better sides. And Belgium’s golden generation lives to fight another day, if only just.
For Senegal and DR Congo, there is heartbreak — but also pride, particularly for a DR Congo side that announced itself on the world stage.
Here are the confirmed Round of 16 ties from this half of the bracket:
| Round of 16 tie | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico vs England | July 5 | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| Belgium vs USA | July 6 | Lumen Field, Seattle |
The Round of 16 is taking shape
The Round of 32 concludes with six more ties on July 2 and 3, including the blockbuster Portugal vs Croatia and holders Argentina vs Cape Verde. Then the Round of 16 begins on July 4. England now head for a colossal meeting with co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca, while the USA face a Belgium side that just showed its refusal to die.
Follow every result on our World Cup 2026 Bracket, the Round of 32 page, the Golden Boot race, and the final group standings. For official information, see FIFA’s match centre.
Final Thoughts
If the knockouts needed a jolt of drama, July 1 delivered it in full. The USMNT’s ten-man stand will live long in the memory of American fans; Kane reminded everyone why he’s England’s greatest goalscorer; and Belgium produced the kind of escape that defines tournaments — even if Senegal will feel, with justification, that fortune and the officials were against them. The Round of 16 can’t come soon enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the World Cup 2026 Round of 32 results on July 1? The USA beat Bosnia 2-0, England beat DR Congo 2-1, and Belgium beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time.
Why was Folarin Balogun sent off against Bosnia? Balogun was shown a controversial red card in the 64th minute, forcing the USA to play more than 30 minutes with ten men; he is suspended for the next match.
When did the USMNT last win a World Cup knockout game before this? The United States last won a World Cup knockout match in 2002 — a 24-year wait ended by the 2-0 victory over Bosnia.
How did Belgium beat Senegal? Belgium came from 2-0 down, scoring in the 86th and 89th minutes to force extra time, then won it on a disputed Youri Tielemans penalty in the 125th minute.
Who does England play in the Round of 16? England face co-hosts Mexico on July 5 at the Estadio Azteca.
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