England and Belgium Advance in World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage, Spain and Portugal Face Tough Tests

England and Belgium have both secured their places in the last 16 of the World Cup 2026, with dramatic victories on day 22 of the tournament. However, Spain and Portugal are set to face challenging last-32 encounters as the knockout stage intensifies.

Kane Drags England Through

England’s progression was once again spearheaded by captain Harry Kane, who proved instrumental in overcoming a stern challenge. The Three Lions will face Mexico in the next round, with kick-off scheduled for 1 am BST on Monday morning. Manager Thomas Tuchel’s squad selections have come under scrutiny, and the team’s unconvincing performances have raised questions about their potential to go all the way in the tournament.

Belgium’s Record-Breaking Comeback

In a truly remarkable turnaround, Belgium staged an extraordinary comeback against Senegal, advancing to the last 16 after a match that will go down in World Cup history. Senegal, who had appeared to be in control for much of the game, were left aggrieved as Belgium secured a victory deep into extra time. The decisive moment came with a nerveless Youri Tielemans penalty, scored at 124 minutes and 44 seconds, making it the latest goal ever recorded in a World Cup match. This win sets up a tie against the USA.

USA Navigates Challenges

The USA also advanced, ensuring all three co-hosts progressed. However, their victory was somewhat overshadowed by Folarin Balogun’s sending off, which will rule him out of their next match against Belgium. The Monaco striker’s dismissal was a point of contention, adding another layer of drama to an already exciting knockout phase.

Looking Ahead

As the tournament moves into its decisive stages, all eyes are on the upcoming fixtures. Spain will face Austria, Portugal will take on Croatia, and Switzerland will play Algeria. These matches promise further intense competition as teams battle for a coveted spot in the quarter-finals. The performances of established powerhouses and emerging contenders alike will be closely watched by fans around the globe.

Key facts
| Team | Result | Next Opponent |
|———|——————————|—————|
| England | Advanced to last 16 | Mexico |
| Belgium | Advanced to last 16 | USA |
| USA | Advanced to last 16 | Belgium |
| Senegal | Eliminated in last 16 | – |

The World Cup 2026 continues to deliver thrilling knockout football, with established nations fighting for survival and unexpected comebacks defining the narrative. The performances of key players and the tactical decisions of managers will be crucial as the path to the final becomes clearer. Fans can anticipate more dramatic encounters as the tournament progresses.

Source: The Guardian Football – https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jul/02/world-cup-2026-england-and-belgium-fight-back-spain-v-austria-buildup-and-more-live

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