England beats Congo and faces Mexico in the 2026 World Cup

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.

Belgian comeback in Seattle

Belgium beat Senegal 3-2 in a two-legged duel at Seattle Stadium. The European team sealed its place in the round of 16 after losing by two goals.

Senegal struck first. At minute 24, Habib Diarra beat Thibaut Courtois. Then, in the 51st minute, Ismaila Sarr extended the lead. He seemed doomed, but Belgium reacted.

Romelu Lukaku scored in the 86th minute and restored hope. Three minutes later, Youri Tielemans tied the score and forced extra time.

In extra time, Tielemans was once again the protagonist. A penalty at minute 120+5 gave the Red Devils the victory. Senegal said goodbye to the tournament.

Belgium’s opponent in the next phase will be defined later, when the United States faces Bosnia Herzegovina in San Francisco.