The 2026 World Cup knockout rounds are underway. After a dramatic group stage and some shocking results in the first batch of Round of 32 matches, three more ties are scheduled for Wednesday, July 1.
Here is the full schedule and what to expect from each match.
Wednesday, July 1 — Round of 32 Fixtures
| Match | Kick-off (WIB) | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo vs England | 23:00 | Atlanta |
| Senegal vs Belgium | 03:00 (July 2) | TBD |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina vs USA | 07:00 (July 2) | TBD |
England vs DR Congo — The Headline Tie
England enter the knockout stage as one of the favourites, but manager Thomas Tuchel has a growing injury crisis at right-back.
Jarell Quansah twisted his ankle in the 2-0 group-stage win over Panama, while Reece James has not trained since picking up a hamstring injury against Ghana. Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa are the likely alternatives, but the lack of a natural right-back could be a concern against a dangerous DR Congo side.
DR Congo, meanwhile, are writing a remarkable story. The Leopards qualified for the knockout rounds of a World Cup for the first time in their history. Their only previous appearance at the finals came in 1974, when they were known as Zaire and lost all three group games without scoring a goal.
Fifty-two years on, the country that hosted Muhammad Ali’s legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” is hoping for a sporting upset of its own. DR Congo’s squad includes players from top European leagues, and they have shown resilience and tactical discipline throughout the group stage.
Key storylines
- England’s right-back crisis: Can Tuchel find a solution, or will DR Congo target that flank?
- DR Congo’s historic run: A nation scarred by the 9-0 loss to Yugoslavia in 1974 now faces one of football’s giants in the knockout rounds.
- Tactical contrast: England’s possession-based approach against DR Congo’s compact, counter-attacking style.
Senegal vs Belgium
Senegal and Belgium meet in what promises to be a tightly contested affair. Both teams navigated the group stage without major upsets, but neither has been entirely convincing.
Belgium will rely on their experienced core, while Senegal’s pace and physicality could cause problems. This is a match that could easily go to extra time.
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs USA
The host nation, the United States, face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final match of the day. Playing on home soil has given the US squad a boost throughout the tournament, and they will be expected to progress.
Bosnia, however, showed in the group stage that they are not to be underestimated. Organised at the back and dangerous on the break, they could make life uncomfortable for the hosts.
What to watch for
The Round of 32 has already delivered surprises — Germany were eliminated by Paraguay on penalties, and Morocco knocked out the Netherlands in a shootout. England, Belgium, and the USA will all be wary of joining the list of fallen favourites.
For fans tracking the tournament, these three matches offer a mix of history, tactical intrigue, and high stakes. The winners advance to the last 16, where the competition only gets tougher.
