Belgium defeats Senegal and advances to the round of 16

Agonizing victory with one less man

The United States team secured its place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup by beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 at the San Francisco Bay Stadium. The high-intensity match left moments of tension and an expulsion that marked the development.

The first goal came just before halftime. Folarin Balogun took advantage of a deviation in the Bosnian defense and made it 1-0 in the 45th minute. However, the advantage was complicated in the second half: Balogun himself received a direct red card in the 64th minute after a strong tackle that injured defender Tarik Muharemovic.

Despite playing with ten, the local team resisted and sealed the victory in the 82nd minute. Malik Tillman executed a spectacular free kick with his right foot to make it 2-0.

With this result, the United States will face Belgium next Monday, July 6 at Seattle Stadium. Balogun’s expulsion could have consequences for that match, although the team showed the ability to overcome adversity.

Kane warns: Mexico will be a bigger challenge

With the ticket to the round of 16 secured, Harry Kane broke the silence. The England captain scored a double in the victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo and now focuses his attention on the next opponent: Mexico.

Respect for the Tricolor

The forward recognized the quality of the team led by Javier Aguirre, who arrives with high morale after eliminating Ecuador. Kane made it clear that the duel will not be easy.

“It’s time to enjoy the moment, come back, regain strength and think about the next game, which will be even more difficult: against Mexico. In Mexico, what an extraordinary game awaits us. Obviously, we will soon change the chip to focus on that, but for now, let’s just enjoy these moments,” he declared.

Pride of wearing the shirt

The attacker also expressed his satisfaction with the collective performance. “Achieving a comeback like the one we achieved is something extremely gratifying; I feel proud of the group, proud of the boys. It was a tough game and, personally, wearing the England shirt is one of the things I like the most,” he concluded.

England is already waiting for a rival in the next phase. Mexico, for its part, will seek to surprise one of the favorites for the title.

Beccacece: “Mexico surpassed us”

After Ecuador’s elimination in the round of 32 against Mexico, at the Azteca Stadium, Argentine coach Sebastián Beccacece avoided excuses. He publicly recognized the dominance of the tricolor team and confirmed that the match closed its cycle at the head of the Ecuadorian squad.

“I was not surprised, we knew what Mexico could do and we could not neutralize them. Mexico surpassed us and I have no complaints,” he declared at a press conference.

Beccacece highlighted the work of the team led by Javier Aguirre and the impact of the environment on the Coloso de Santa Úrsula. “They are a well-worked team. I wish we had played the whole game like the second half,” he added.

The coach thanked his players for their dedication during the tournament. He expressed sadness for the fans who traveled from Ecuador with the hope of seeing their team go far.

“It is a sad and painful night for the Ecuadorian people. My contract ended at the end of the World Cup. We have built a dignified and transparent legacy,” he concluded.

The defeat left a significant impact on Ecuadorian fans, who hoped for a better performance in the World Cup.