World Cup 2026 · Day 22
Day twenty-two: the round of 32 concludes and the round of 16 takes shape as France line up a tie with Paraguay and Brazil await Ivory Coast or Norway
The 2026 World Cup knockout stage is in full flow. On Wednesday 1 July the hosts United States met Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium, Folarin Balogun striking to put the United States ahead, while England beat DR Congo 2-1 with a Harry Kane double and Belgium edged Senegal 3-2 after extra time. Earlier, France reached the round of 16 by beating Sweden 3-0 and Brazil came from behind to see off Japan 2-1. Attention now turns to the round of 16, where France are set to face Paraguay and Brazil await the winner of Ivory Coast against Norway. Five verified stories.
2 July 2026 · WorldCuply.com daily news archive
Round of 16Round of 16 field takes shape: France to meet Paraguay, Brazil await Ivory Coast or Norway
With the round of 32 concluding, the round of 16 is taking shape. France, 3-0 winners over Sweden, are set to face Paraguay, who knocked out Germany on penalties, while five-time champions Brazil await the winner of Ivory Coast against Norway, according to Yahoo Sports and FOX Sports. The last 16 cuts the field toward the quarterfinals across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Sources: Yahoo Sports · FOX Sports
HostsBalogun strikes as United States meet Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32
The United States, winners of Group D, met Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on 1 July, with Folarin Balogun striking just before half time to put the hosts ahead. The United States were chasing a first World Cup knockout win in 24 years, coverage from CNN and ESPN noted.
Sources: CNN · ESPN · Yahoo Sports
Round of 32Harry Kane double sends England past DR Congo 2-1
England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in the round of 32, Yahoo Sports reported. After Congo took an early lead through Brian Cipenga, Harry Kane levelled with a header in the 75th minute and struck the winner in the 86th to send the Group L winners into the round of 16.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
Round of 32Belgium rally to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time
Belgium came from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in the round of 32, Yahoo Sports reported. Senegal led by two inside the first 51 minutes before Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans sparked a rally, and Tielemans converted a late penalty to settle the tie.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
Round of 32Martinelli scores late as Brazil beat Japan 2-1
Five-time champions Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in the round of 32 in Houston, Al Jazeera and ESPN reported. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time to send Brazil into the round of 16, where they await the winner of Ivory Coast against Norway.
Sources: Al Jazeera · ESPN