The 2026 World Cup continued the Round of 32 on July 1 with three matches that finalized two more high-profile matchups for the next stage. England defeated DR Congo, Belgium overcame Senegal in a dramatic encounter, and the United States comfortably handled Bosnia and Herzegovina on home soil.
The day's opening match proved to be a nervous affair for England supporters. England secured a 2-1 victory over DR Congo, but the result was anything but straightforward. The African side played with courage, absorbing pressure from the favorites while remaining a threat for an upset until the final whistle. LiveMint described the performance as a match where England "survived a scare" against DR Congo to book their place in the Round of 16.
For England, this win was less a show of dominance and more a test of character. In the knockout stages, style points matter less than the ability to weather a difficult night and stay alive in the competition. England now looks ahead to a clash with Mexico, who defeated Ecuador 2-0 the previous day. This pairing is particularly intriguing, as it pits a European powerhouse against a host nation backed by massive home support.
The second match of the day delivered the most drama. Belgium advanced after a grueling battle, edging out Senegal 3-2. Senegal refused to buckle or be intimidated by their opponent's reputation, forcing the Belgians to work hard until the very end. In its daily roundup, ESPN noted that Belgium snatched victory from Senegal in what became one of the defining moments of July 1.
This success also carries significant psychological weight for Belgium. The team didn't just win a knockout game; they withstood intense pressure from an opponent ready to capitalize on any mistake. An even greater challenge awaits in the Round of 16, where Belgium will face the United States. This matchup is already shaping up to be one of the highlights of the bottom half of the bracket.
The late kickoff concluded the day with a victory for the tournament hosts. The US national team defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0, progressing to the next round with minimal stress. Stadium Rant pointed out that the victory sets up a clash with Belgium for the Americans, whose defense kept a clean sheet in this knockout match.
This result served as a major statement for the United States. Playing on home soil, the team is under intense scrutiny, and any slip-up could have led to national disappointment. However, the Americans remained composed and pragmatic, delivering exactly what was needed: a win, a clean sheet, and a spot in the Round of 16.
Ultimately, July 1 was a day for the favorites, who didn't always shine but got the job done. England navigated a tense encounter, Belgium emerged from a thriller, and the US reinforced their ambitions as tournament hosts. By the end of the day, two marquee matchups were confirmed: Mexico vs. England and USA vs. Belgium. The final scores from July 1 were confirmed in the Round of 32 summary: England 2-1 DR Congo, Belgium 3-2 Senegal, and USA 2-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina.
While June 29 was defined by upsets and penalty shootouts, and June 30 by convincing wins for Norway, France, and Mexico, July 1 was a day of survival and established hierarchy. The 2026 World Cup knockout stage continues to gain momentum; the favorites are advancing, but each subsequent match poses an even greater threat.
