FIFA World Cup: Wednesday schedule, predictions and bracket update

Published 1 July 2026 · sports

The World Cup 2026 knockout stage is heating up as teams battle for a place in the last 16 of the tournament. Footballing powers England

The World Cup 2026 knockout stage is heating up as teams battle for a place in the last 16 of the tournament. Footballing powers England, Argentina and Belgium are facing tough challenges in the last-32, while smaller nations are hoping to create historic upsets. England will take on DR Congo for the first time, with the Three Lions looking to continue their journey towards the title. Argentina are also preparing for a tricky match against World Cup newcomers Cape Verde, who have already surprised many with their performances. Belgium clashes with African powerhouse Senegal. The tournament has produced plenty of talking points, from player records and team predictions to unexpected off-field stories. Here is what we know What is the prediction for England vs Democratic Republic of the Congo? England face DR Congo for the first time in their history as they look to book a place in the last 16. The Three Lions have limited experience against African opposition at the World Cup. Their only previous knockout meeting ended in a comfortable 3-0 win over Senegal in 2022, while they also beat Egypt and Cameroon during their run to the semifinals in 1990. Thomas Tuchel’s side have shown some vulnerability against African teams, drawing with Ghana and losing a friendly to Senegal, but they still head into this tie as clear favourites. Opta’s supercomputer backs England to progress, giving them a 73.9 percent chance of winning inside 90 minutes compared to DR Congo’s 11.3 percent, with a draw rated at 14.8 percent. Overall, England have an 82.0 percent chance of reaching the last 16, while DR Congo are given an 18 percent chance of causing an upset. What is the prediction for Belgium vs Senegal? Belgium and Senegal meet for the first time in a competitive fixture on Wednesday as they battle for a place in the last 16 in Seattle. Recent World Cup history favours Belgium, which is ranked No 9 in the FIFA world rankings while Senegal is 15th. The Red Devils have lost just one of their six matches against African opposition at the tournament, though that defeat came against Morocco in the 2022 group stage. Senegal, meanwhile, have lost each of their last four World Cup meetings with European nations after winning three and drawing one of their first five. Opta’s supercomputer gives Belgium the edge, with a 45.6 percent chance of winning inside 90 minutes from 25,000 simulations. Senegal are given a 27 percent chance of victory, while the probability of a draw stands at 27.4 percent. What is the prediction for USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina? The United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina meet for the fourth time, with the Americans unbeaten in the previous three encounters (W2 D1), though all of those came in friendlies between 2013 and 2021.