World Cup Round of 32: Belgium stuns Senegal; USA ...

By Rohan Gupta — 2 July 2026 — 4 min read

Dramatic Comebacks in Round of 32

The World Cup knockout stage has already seen dramatic finishes in its initial days. In one of the afternoon matchups, Belgium staged a significant comeback against Senegal. After falling behind by two goals within the first 51 minutes, the Red Devils rallied. Late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans pushed the game into extra time. A penalty kick, described as controversial, was awarded to Belgium in the final moments, which Tielemans converted to secure a 3-2 victory.

This result means Belgium has advanced to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the match between the USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The subsequent match for Belgium is scheduled to take place in Seattle.

Earlier, England also experienced a thrilling encounter against DR Congo. Brian Cipenga of Congo scored an early goal, putting England under pressure. However, Harry Kane emerged as a key player for the Three Lions, scoring an equaliser in the 75th minute with a header. He then secured the win for his team with another goal in the 86th minute.

USA Prepares for Bosnia and Herzegovina Challenge

The U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) is set to compete in a Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. This game marks a crucial point for the Americans, who concluded their group play with a loss to Türkiye in a match that did not impact their progression.

The USMNT is aiming for its first knockout round victory since 2002. The current World Cup 2026 has expanded its knockout rounds from 16 to 32 teams, offering more opportunities for teams to advance.

During the early minutes of their match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the USMNT has been observed to be probing the opposition’s defense. Weston McKennie created an early chance, breaking free down the right side and forcing GK Nikola Vasilj to parry a cross, which then bounced off Antonee Robinson for a goal kick. Robinson later collided with Vasilj, who required treatment.

The USMNT has maintained significant possession, holding the ball for 75% of the time in the initial stages. Despite this, Bosnia and Herzegovina has also created opportunities, forcing a save from Matt Freese after a deep launch from Eden Džeko following a goal kick. Freese was called into action again to save a corner kick that appeared to be heading for the goal.

There was an instance where Folarin Balogun scored, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call. Balogun was deemed to be a step offside after receiving a pass from Weston McKennie. Later, Balogun went down in the penalty box after contact, but no foul was called, and VAR did not intervene.

The USMNT has focused much of its attacking play down the right side of the field. Christian Pulisic, who typically operates on the other side, has not been as involved in the early exchanges. Malik Tillman and Folarin Balogun combined for a 1-2 play in the 10th minute, but the ball went out for a goal kick.

Tyler Adams was seen down after a collision with Eden Džeko following a kickoff. The USMNT is still searching for a breakthrough, but they are actively challenging the Bosnia and Herzegovina defense.

Public sentiment, particularly among bettors, heavily favours the USMNT to win against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Multiple sportsbooks have reported that over 85% of wagers and 90% of total money wagered on the three-way line are on the U.S. to win. The U.S. is considered a significant favourite to advance.

The USMNT has shown a tendency to score early in previous group stage games. They have scored six first-half goals in the group stage, a figure tied with Brazil for the most. Mauricio Pochettino is not expected to alter his attacking approach for the knockout round. Christian Pulisic, who appeared healthy as a second-half substitute against Türkiye, is expected to return to the starting lineup, which could further strengthen the team.

The winner of the match between the USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina will proceed to face Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday in Seattle.

Pre-match ceremonies are currently underway, with kickoff approximately 10 minutes away.