Seattle/Atlanta: Belgium and England produced dramatic late comebacks to advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 on Wednesday, while their opponents Senegal and Congo DR were left to rue missed chances.
Belgium recovered from a two-goal deficit deep in the second half to beat Senegal in Seattle and book a last-16 meeting on July 6. Senegal had taken control early, with Habib Diarra reacting quickly to convert a rebound after a header hit the post in the 26th minute. Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead shortly after the break, leaving Rudi Garcia’s side facing a steep uphill task.
The Red Devils fought back after Garcia introduced Romelu Lukaku, who pulled one back in the 86th minute by turning in a Thomas Meunier cross. Three minutes later Youri Tielemans nodded in a Leandro Trossard delivery to force extra time. With penalties looming, VAR intervened to award Belgium a spot-kick after Tielemans was fouled; he calmly converted to complete the comeback and spark wild celebrations. Senegal had a late free-kick chance but could not find an equaliser.
In Atlanta, England overturned an early deficit to beat Congo DR 2-1 and progress to a last-16 clash with Mexico on July 6 in Mexico City. Congo shocked the Three Lions inside seven minutes when Brian Cipenga finished from a Chancel Mbemba flick-on. England, coached by Thomas Tuchel, laboured for much of the match and were kept at bay by several fine saves from Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
A tactical tweak after the break paid off: substitute Anthony Gordon supplied the cross for captain Harry Kane to head home the equaliser in the 75th minute. Kane then struck a powerful winner in the 86th to seal the victory and keep England’s World Cup hopes alive.
Both results underline the fine margins of knockout football — late goals and decisive video-review moments proved the difference as Belgium and England join the competition’s last 16.
(Inputs from IANS)