# World Cup 2026 Roundup: USA Escape Balogun Red Card to Reach Last 16; Kane Saves England
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered another day of high drama on July 1โ2, with co-hosts USA booking their spot in the Round of 16 despite a controversial red card, Harry Kane rescuing England from the brink, and Belgium pulling off a stunning comeback against Senegal.
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## ๐บ๐ธ USA 2โ1 Bosnia & Herzegovina: Balogun Hero to Villain
Folarin Balogun had a night of extremes. The striker opened the scoring for the United States, putting the co-hosts ahead with a clinical finish. But his night took a turn when he was shown a **straight red card** โ a decision that sparked debate across social media.
Despite playing a man down for much of the match, the USMNT held firm defensively to secure a 2โ1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, confirming their place in the knockout stages.
**What’s next:** The USA will face **Belgium** in the Round of 16 โ a massive test for Gregg Berhalter’s side, especially if Balogun faces suspension.
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## ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ England 2โ1 DR Congo: Kane the Savior
It was dรฉjร vu for England โ until Harry Kane stepped up. Trailing to DR Congo and with memories of the Iceland defeat resurfacing, England looked headed for another traumatic exit. But **Kane scored twice in the second half** to flip the script and send the Three Lions through.
Thomas Tuchel’s England will now face **Mexico** in the Round of 16. Kane’s leadership and finishing remain England’s biggest weapon as the tournament progresses.
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## ๐ง๐ช Belgium 3โ2 Senegal (AET): Tielemans the Hero
In Seattle, Belgium produced the comeback of the tournament so far. Trailing Senegal, **Youri Tielemans** scored a late equalizer to force extra time, then converted a **controversial penalty** in extra time to seal a 3โ2 win.
Belgium’s fighting spirit sets up an intriguing Round of 16 clash with the USA.
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## Other Key Results
| Match | Score | Highlight |
|—|—|—|
| France vs Sweden | 3โ0 | Mbappรฉ double in attacking masterclass |
| Norway vs Cรดte d’Ivoire | 2โ1 | Haaland dramatic winner in stoppage time |
| Mexico vs Ecuador | 2โ0 | Mexico ends knockout drought |
| Morocco vs Netherlands | 1โ1 (4โ2 pens) | Morocco wins wild penalty shootout |
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## Round of 16 โ Key Fixtures
| Matchup | Date | Venue |
|—|—|—|
| **England vs Mexico** | July 4 | Houston, TX |
| **USA vs Belgium** | July 5 | Los Angeles, CA |
| Norway vs Spain/Portugal | July 5 | New York, NY |
| France vs Croatia/Portugal | July 6 | Dallas, TX |
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## FAQ
### Will Folarin Balogun miss the Round of 16?
It depends on FIFA’s review. Straight red cards typically carry a 1โ3 match ban. The USMNT is expected to appeal.
### Can USA beat Belgium?
Belgium has more tournament experience, but the USA showed tremendous defensive resilience against Bosnia. Playing at home in LA gives them a real chance.
### Who is the tournament favorite so far?
France has looked the most dominant, but England (with Kane), Norway (with Haaland), and Brazil are all strong contenders.
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## Final Verdict
The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in history. The USA’s journey as co-hosts is alive despite the Balogun red card, while England’s escape act keeps the Kane-Tuchel partnership alive.
**Coming up:** Can the USA upset Belgium? Will England finally get past Mexico? Stay tuned for our match previews.
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