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World Cup 2026: Harry Kane Brace Saves England, USMNT Advances Despite Balogun Red Card

July 2, 2026 — The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 delivered its most dramatic moments yet as England escaped elimination by the skin of their teeth, the USMNT punched their ticket to the next round with a gritty win, and the knockout bracket is taking shape.

England 2-1 DR Congo: Kane to the Rescue

For 80 minutes, England was staring at one of the biggest embarrassments in World Cup history. DR Congo had taken a shock lead and held firm against wave after wave of English attacks. Then Harry Kane did what Harry Kane does.

The England captain scored a brilliant brace — two goals in the final 10 minutes — to turn certain defeat into a dramatic 2-1 victory. The first was a clinical finish from inside the box. The second? A trademark Kane header that sent the England supporters in Atlanta into absolute pandemonium.

Kane’s heroics lift him to 5 goals in the tournament, tied for third in the Golden Boot race alongside Erling Haaland. Only Kylian Mbappé (6) and Lionel Messi (6) sit above him. He’s also now tied for sixth on the all-time World Cup goals list.

Next up for England: A Round of 16 clash with Mexico — a mouthwatering knockout tie.

USA 2-0 Bosnia & Herzegovina: Win Comes at a Cost

The USMNT got the job done in Santa Clara, defeating Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-0 to advance to the Round of 16. Folarin Balogun opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort that drew a reaction from LeBron James himself on social media. Malik Tillman doubled the lead to seal the victory.

But the win came at a heavy price. Balogun was shown a controversial red card midway through the second half — and under FIFA’s disciplinary code, there is no appeals mechanism for World Cup red cards. That means the USMNT’s star striker will miss the Round of 16 showdown against Belgium in Seattle.

For the Americans, it’s a bitter blow. Balogun has been the team’s most dangerous attacking threat throughout the tournament.

Today’s Action: Spain, Portugal, Switzerland Take the Stage

Thursday’s slate is stacked with three high-profile Round of 32 matchups:

Match	Time (ET)	Preview
Spain vs Austria	12:00 PM	Spain heavily favored but haven’t won a WC knockout match since 2010
Portugal vs Croatia	3:00 PM	Ronaldo still seeking his first-ever WC knockout goal
Switzerland vs Algeria	6:00 PM	Switzerland unbeaten in 9 matches under Murat Yakin

All eyes are on Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese legend is still searching for his first World Cup knockout goal, and Croatia — always dangerous in tournament play — won’t make it easy.

What to Watch Next

The Round of 16 is already taking shape with 10 spots confirmed. The USMNT will face Belgium in Seattle on Monday — without Balogun. England meets Mexico in what promises to be an electric atmosphere. With the expanded 48-team format, this tournament has produced some of the most chaotic and entertaining World Cup soccer we’ve ever seen.

FAQ

When is the USMNT’s next match?
Monday, July 6 in Seattle against Belgium in the Round of 16. Folarin Balogun will be suspended due to his red card.

How many teams are left in the World Cup?
32 teams started the knockout stage (Round of 32). After today’s matches, the Round of 16 field will be set, with 16 teams remaining in contention.

Who is leading the Golden Boot race?
Kylian Mbappé (France) leads with 6 goals, tied with Lionel Messi (Argentina). Harry Kane and Erling Haaland are tied for third with 5 goals each.

Where can I watch the World Cup 2026?
In the US, matches are broadcast on Fox Sports and streamed on Fubo and other streaming platforms.