FIFA World Cup 2026: England and Belgium Survive African Scares in Two Dramatic Round of 32 Classics. The FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered two unforgettable knockout matches on Wednesday. England and Belgium survived huge scares to secure their places in the Round of 16. DR Congo and Senegal came within touching distance of famous victories. Instead, both European sides found late answers when elimination seemed certain.
England defeated DR Congo 2-1 in Atlanta after an inspired second-half comeback. DR Congo struck first in the 31st minute through Brian Cipenga. The move began with England losing possession in midfield. DR Congo broke quickly before Cipenga calmly finished beyond Jordan Pickford. England controlled the ball but lacked sharpness inside the final third. Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka both tested the goalkeeper before halftime. However, Congo defended with discipline and confidence.
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Thomas Tuchel changed the match after introducing Anthony Gordon. The winger immediately stretched the defence with his pace and direct running. England finally found the breakthrough in the 79th minute. Gordon delivered a teasing cross into the six-yard box. Harry Kane rose highest and powered his header into the far corner. England completed the turnaround in the 88th minute. Gordon raced down the left before cutting the ball across goal. Kane controlled brilliantly and fired home from close range. DR Congo nearly forced extra time in stoppage time. Pickford reacted superbly to deny a close-range effort. England held on and booked a round of 16 meeting with Mexico.
Belgium script an incredible turnaround
Seattle witnessed even greater drama later in the evening. Senegal dominated large spells against Belgium and deserved their early advantage. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 15th minute after a perfectly weighted through ball. Ismaïla Sarr doubled the lead in the 63rd minute from a dangerous low cross. Belgium suddenly faced an early World Cup exit.
Romelu Lukaku gave Belgium hope in the 86th minute. He buried a powerful header after an inviting delivery into the box. Tielemans then levelled in the fourth minute of stoppage time. His low finish followed a loose ball inside Senegal’s penalty area. The dramatic equaliser forced extra time.
Belgium continued pushing forward during the additional period. Their persistence was rewarded in the 125th minute. Jérémy Doku was brought down inside the penalty area after a late challenge. Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot. Tielemans calmly converted the penalty in the 125+2nd minute. Belgium completed a remarkable 3-2 comeback after extra time. The winning strike became the latest goal in FIFA World Cup history.
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The results ended two outstanding African campaigns heartbreakingly. DR Congo and Senegal earned admiration with fearless performances. England and Belgium survived, but neither escaped without being seriously tested. If these matches proved anything, knockout football never stops producing unforgettable moments.