Three Round-of-32 Fixtures Set to Reshape the 2026 World Cup Bracket on Wednesday
Three round-of-32 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, with England facing DR Congo in Atlanta (12 p.m. ET, FOX), Belgium meeting Senegal in Vancouver (4 p.m. ET, FS1), and co-host United States hosting Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (8 p.m. ET, FOX). Each match is a single-elimination contest; the three losing nations exit the tournament.
England vs. DR Congo - Atlanta, 12 p.m. ET
England, one of the pre-tournament title contenders, arrive having won two and drawn one in the group stage, though their performances have been inconsistent. A 4-2 opening victory over Croatia gave way to a goalless draw with Ghana and a 2-0 win over Panama in which they did not score until the 62nd minute. Head coach Thomas Tuchel has Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, and Bukayo Saka at his disposal offensively, but faces a problem at right back after injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah left Djed Spence as the likely starter in that position. Declan Rice is expected to return to the starting lineup, which would push Bellingham into a more advanced role tasked with unlocking a compact defensive structure. Bellingham was named Man of the Match in the Panama win while operating in a deeper position. futsal bet
DR Congo compete in their first World Cup since 1974 and advanced as one of the top third-placed teams after drawing with Portugal and defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 in a comeback victory; their only group-stage defeat was a 1-0 loss to Colombia. Coach Sébastien Desabre's squad drew widespread neutral support during the group stage and will carry significant Premier League experience into Wednesday's match. Newcastle United attacker Yoane Wissa leads the team with three group-stage goals. DR Congo are expected to deploy a deep, compact shape - likely the 5-3-2 used against Portugal - and rely on quick transitions to threaten England on the counter.
Belgium vs. Senegal - Vancouver, 4 p.m. ET
This fixture marks the first competitive meeting between Belgium and Senegal. Both teams followed a similar trajectory through the group stage: sluggish in their opening two matches, then dominant in their respective finales. Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt, drew 0-0 with Iran, then defeated New Zealand 5-1. Senegal lost 3-1 to France and 3-2 to Norway before beating Iraq 5-0 to claim a third-place berth. Coach Rudi Garcia's Belgium side has not lost in 16 matches and will line up with Kevin De Bruyne directing play from midfield, flanked by Jérémy Doku of Manchester City and Arsenal's Leandro Trossard. The center-forward position remains unsettled, with both Romelu Lukaku and Charles De Ketelaere unconvincing during the group stage. Senegal's attack is built on athleticism and pace - Crystal Palace's Ismaïla Sarr scored three times in the group stage, while Everton's Iliman Ndiaye was influential against Iraq, and captain Sadio Mané remains a central figure despite not scoring in the opening round. Senegal face an additional obstacle after first-choice goalkeeper Édouard Mendy was ruled out with a knee injury; Le Havre's Mory Diaw is expected to start.
Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye enters the match in form after coming off the bench against Iraq in the 56th minute and contributing two goals and an assist. That performance is expected to earn him a place in the starting XI.
United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina - San Francisco Bay Area, 8 p.m. ET
The United States, co-hosts of the tournament, finished the group stage with six points from wins over Paraguay and Australia alongside a defeat to Türkiye. Despite that record, the historical weight of their knockout record against European opposition underscores the challenge ahead. Since the 1990 World Cup, the United States have faced European nations 21 times in the competition, recording just one victory - a 3-2 win over Portugal in 2002 - against seven draws and 13 defeats. In knockout matches specifically since 1990, the United States hold a record of one win and five losses against all opponents.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino expects to have his full first-choice lineup available. Christian Pulisic, who missed the Australia match with a calf injury, is fit to return. Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Antonee Robinson, and Chris Richards - all of whom sat out against Türkiye to manage yellow-card accumulation - are also available for selection. Pulisic's ability to carry the ball and create space for teammates, combined with Balogun's finishing instincts, represent the primary attacking threats. Weston McKennie, whose form has closely mirrored the team's results throughout the tournament, is regarded as central to how the United States control possession and tempo from midfield.
Bosnia and Herzegovina advanced from the group stage with a 3-1 win over Qatar and bring a roster that blends experienced and young talent. Edin Džeko, the nation's all-time leading scorer, was active in that match - a header from him forced an own goal - while 18-year-old Salzburg midfielder Kerim Alajbegovic scored the opener and 21-year-old Ermin Mahmic added a goal off the bench. PSV Eindhoven winger Esmir Bajraktarević, also 21, carries additional story weight: raised in Wisconsin, he began his professional career with the New England Revolution and represented United States youth teams before switching international allegiance to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2024. Wednesday's winner advances to the round of 16; the loser is eliminated.
