Wednesday, July 1, 2026: Kane saves England, Belgium come back from nowhere, the United States survive with ten men

July 1 was a day of nerves. Three round-of-32 ties, three winners, but no feeling of absolute comfort. England were pushed to the edge by Congo DR, Belgium produced an almost impossible comeback against Senegal, and the United States had to finish with ten men against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In Atlanta, England beat Congo DR 2-1 after chasing the match for a long time. Brian Cipenga gave the Leopards the lead in the seventh minute, and Sebastien Desabre's team defended courageously for more than an hour. Lionel Mpasi made several saves, Yoane Wissa hit the post, and England seemed to be sinking into frustration.

Harry Kane eventually changed everything. His headed equaliser in the 75th minute released England, and his late strike turned the match around. Kane carries England again, with a rare sense of timing. Thomas Tuchel can praise the reaction, but the performance leaves questions. England won, yes, but they again gave their opponent too much emotional control.

In Seattle, Belgium lived through an extraordinary qualification against Senegal. Trailing 2-0 after goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr, they looked out. Then Romelu Lukaku pulled one back, Youri Tielemans equalised with a header, and extra time turned on one final moment of madness. Tielemans scored the decisive penalty in the 125th minute after a video review. Senegal, who had hit the woodwork and controlled much of the match, leave with enormous pain.

The United States closed the day with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Folarin Balogun opened the scoring just before halftime, then was sent off after a video review in the second half. Down to ten, the Americans held on, suffered and found the second goal through a Malik Tillman free kick. It was not the cleanest performance, but it was a victory of character, and it sets up a last-16 match against Belgium.

All three winners leave strengthened and warned. England won but remain heavily dependent on Kane. Belgium proved they can survive a near-lost situation, but also confirmed their lapses. The United States won a knockout match while short-handed, but they lose Balogun for the next round.

This day also underlined the value of benches. Lukaku, Belgium's changes, England's adjustments and the American ability to reorganise after the red card made the difference. At this stage, starting elevens are not enough. Matches are often won in the 70th minute, the 90th or extra time.

The last-16 bracket is taking clearer shape with major fixtures: England-Mexico and Belgium-United States are now key appointments. The first will mix history, altitude and public pressure. The second offers a 2014 rematch, but in a completely different context.

England move forward, but the match does not fully reassure. The individual talent is huge, Kane remains an elite finisher, and Bellingham can drive spells, but the collective rhythm still comes and goes. Against Mexico at the Azteca, such a fragile start could cost far more.

Belgium won the craziest match of their campaign. Coming back from 0-2 in the final minutes and then winning in extra time gives enormous energy. But Domenico Tedesco cannot ignore the alarms: Senegal found too much space, too many transitions and too many situations for this to be called controlled.

The United States continue to grow in their home World Cup. Balogun's red card is a major sporting problem, but the collective response was strong. Pochettino has built a team capable of holding through adversity, and the American public is starting to experience every match as a national event.

Congo DR leave the tournament with pride. Scoring early against England, holding so long and forcing Kane to save his team means this campaign goes far beyond a symbolic return to the World Cup. The Leopards have earned a place in the story of this edition.

Senegal suffer one of the toughest exits of the tournament. At 2-0, with chances and real physical authority, qualification looked close. The late collapse will leave huge regrets, because this team had the level to push further.

Bosnia and Herzegovina lacked sharpness against the United States, especially after the American red card. They had some possession and pressure, but did not test the defence enough. In a knockout match, a numerical advantage has to produce more than pressure.

The following day brings Spain-Austria, Portugal-Croatia and Switzerland-Algeria. Spain will have the chance to confirm their rise against an intense Austria side that can be exposed if its press is bypassed.

Portugal-Croatia will be the heaviest match in names and history. Ronaldo, Modric, two generations close to the end, and a contest that could become deeply emotional. Switzerland-Algeria will have a different texture: discipline, transitions and a mental battle after Algeria's huge group-stage effort.