FIFA World Cup: Kane’s Brace in England Win, Belgium Stages Remarkable Comeback, USA Victorious

Senegal, despite taking a two-goal lead, failed to hold on in the final moments and was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 after losing to Belgium in the Round of 32.

On Thursday morning in the United States, Belgium defeated Senegal 3–2 to secure a place in the pre-quarterfinals.

Habib Diarra scored in the 24th minute and Ismaila Sarr added another in the 51st minute to give Senegal a 2–0 advantage. But failing to manage the last five minutes of regulation time, Senegal lost its golden chance to reach the last 16.

In the 86th minute, Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku pulled one back, and three minutes later, Youri Tielemans equalized. With the score tied 2–2 at full time, the match went into extra time. In the final minute of extra time, Belgium earned a penalty, which Tielemans converted to seal victory.

Of the 10 African nations participating in this World Cup, nine reached the knockout stage. However, except for Morocco, all African teams have been eliminated in the Round of 32. South Africa, Ivory Coast, and DR Congo had already exited earlier.

Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, and Algeria are yet to play their Round of 32 matches, while Morocco has already beaten the Netherlands to reach the last 16.

Belgium will face the winner of the USA for a place in the quarterfinals.

Later, co-host USA defeated Bosnia & Herzegovina 2–0 in San Francisco Bay Area on Thursday morning to advance to the last 16.

Folarin Balogun scored in the 45th minute to give the USA the lead, but he was later sent off with a red card in the 64th minute, reducing the team to 10 men. Despite that, Malik Tillman scored in the 82nd minute to secure the win. The USA will now face Belgium in the quarterfinals. All three co-host nations have reached the last 16.

Meanwhile, striker Harry Kane’s brace saved England from an embarrassing exit. On Wednesday night in Atlanta, Thomas Tuchel’s England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2–1, booking a last-16 clash with co-host Mexico.

Congo had taken a 1–0 lead in the first half through Brian Sipeinga’s seventh-minute goal, reminding England fans of their humiliating 2–1 loss to Iceland in the Euro Championship a decade ago. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi’s inspired performance kept England struggling for goals.

But after the second-half hydration break, Kane equalized with a header from Antony Gordon’s cross. With four minutes left in regulation, Kane again converted Gordon’s pass with a powerful right-footed strike into the near post.

In injury time, Congo had a free-kick opportunity outside the box, but striker Yone Wissa’s shot missed the target.

This was the first time in 60 years England overturned a deficit after conceding the opening goal in a World Cup match. The last time was in 1966, when they conceded early against Germany in the final but went on to win 4–2 and claim their maiden World Cup title.