Month: July 2026

Seattle Stadium was the venue for a thrilling and dramatic matchup between Belgium and Senegal in the Round of 32, where in the end, it was the Red Devils who took the 3-2 victory with a remarkable comeback display in added extra time. The goal, a penalty awarded five minutes after the 120th-minute mark, was indeed the latest winner in World Cup history. This was by far the most dramatic match of the tournament. It deserved its own miniseries. Goals from Habib Diarra and a work of art from Ismaila Sarr secured the goals for Senegal at the start, and it appeared that was all that was needed in order to secure the win, but in incredible fashion, Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans took it back to 2-2 in the late moments of the match, which sent the game to a dramatic finale in extra time. That’s when the UEFA side really started to find its rhythm and kept knocking at the door for a winner. And so, as we reached a certainty of penalties, Tielemans was fouled inside the box; it was confirmed by the official thanks to reviewing it on screen. Aston Villa’s man took it with perfection and netted the winning goal to send his team to the Round of 16. As for Senegal? A heartbreaking defeat where the Lions of Teranga will probably look back at the tape and say to themselves: how on earth did we lose that? Here are my takeaways. 1. In Football, Nothing Ever Is As It Seems For almost the entirety of the match, Senegal controlled this match.  Senegal’s expected-goal (xG) metric was far superior (2.71 to Belgium’s 0.53) and even though I am not an xG super-nerd who totally believes in the fact that it determines outcomes, I am a believer in the laws of probability. It was assumed that the West African team did more than enough to secure the victory. But assumptions, my friends, is the mother of all party crashers. You can never rely on them. Consequently, in the space of three minutes and out of nowhere, Belgium turned the game around as Lukaku and Tielemans equalized in the 83rd and 86th minute, respectively. This is the best example of World Cup action. You can’t ever take your eye off it because all it takes is one attempt. 2. Tielemans-Trossard Quarrel Fueled Rally In the 72nd minute, when all seemed lost for Belgium, the Aston Villa midfielder clashed with Leandro Trossard as the duo were in the middle of a heated exchange before the hydration break to the point that they had to be separated. The Belgians were falling apart and crumbling under desperation. But in actuality, it was the fire that was needed in order to inspire the comeback. And wouldn’t you know it? In the 86th minute, both combined for the all-important leveler as Trossard crossed in for a great ball as Tielemans headed it in. And in extra time, Tielemans, who had scored the opening goal for Villa in the Europa League final back in May, scored a clutch penalty to earn the precious win. Sometimes, even teammates need to be pushed against each other in order to get the best out of them. Tielemans’ argument with Trossard sparked something inside of him. 3. Senegal Can Only Blame Itself It was a gut-wrenching loss and one that surely broke the hearts of all Senegalese fans. And I truly feel for them. But the team has only itself to blame. At 2-0 up, with seven minutes remaining in regular time, Thiaw should have done a better job at protecting what it had and become more defense-minded. It was also losing the ball in silly moments and becoming extremely careless in possession and so it allowed cross after cross from Belgium. I think Edouard Mendy was sorely missed too because I think some of those goals could have been avoided. Unfortunately, Mory Diaw had a terrible match. Knockout football is never about how you start. It’s how you finish. And Senegal forgot this precious lesson. 4. Despite Loss, Sarr Was Tremendous The 28-year-old forward/winger is so good at playing across the front line, he can pretty much go anywhere and be a nightmare against an opponent. On Wednesday, manager Pape Thiaw decided to place him as the target man with Sadio Mané and liman Ndiaye on either side. It worked to perfection as Sarr capitalized on every ball to make it dangerous for the Belgian defensive line, whilst getting on the end of any cross that came his way. The start of the match saw the Lions of Teranga with a lot of possession and making some great opportunities, including in the 14th minute when Ismaïla Sarr’s effort hit the post and then forced Thibaut Courtois to clear the ball. But Sarr kept going as his header set up the first goal. His second? To me, it was a thing of beauty as he received a beautiful ball from Moussa Niakhaté and with a lovely first touch and finish (memories of Dennis Bergkamp’s goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup quarterfinals) he made it 2-0. It was a moment of perfection. What a match from Sarr, who became his country’s all-time scorer at this tournament with four goals.

The knockout stage never disappoints, and it doesn’t appear like it will at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After its dominant 3-0 win over Sweden on Tuesday, France has extended its gap as the favorite to win the World Cup. And while France remains the heavy favorite, Mexico surged up the oddsboard after its 2-0 win over Ecuador on Tuesday. On Wednesday, after its historic comeback against Senegal, Belgium skyrocketed up the oddsboard. Entering the day at +6000 to win the World Cup, the Red Devils saw its odds plummet all the way down to +40000 after trailing 2-0 in the 85th minute. Then, history struck. Belgium became the first team in World Cup history to avoid defeat in 90 minutes while trailing by two goals after the 85th minute. Its two goals in a three-minute stretch sent the match to extra time, where Youri Tielemans drilled a penalty to cap off the improbable comeback win. Belgium is now +3500 to lift the trophy and will face either the USA or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16. Let’s dive into the full odds via FanDuel Sportsbook as of July 1. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. 2026 World Cup Winner Odds France: +185 (bet $10 to win $28.50 total)Argentina: +420 (bet $10 to win $52 total)Spain: +700 (bet $10 to win $80 total)England: +850 (bet $10 to win $95 total)Brazil: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)Portugal: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)Morocco: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total) Mexico: +2700 (bet $10 to win $280 total) United States: +3300 (bet $10 to win $340 total)Colombia: +3300 (bet $10 to win $340 total)Belgium: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)Norway: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)Senegal: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)Switzerland: +7500 (bet $10 to win $760 total)Croatia: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)Canada:+20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total) Here’s what to know about this oddsboard: The Favorite: France is the solo favorite atop the oddsboard. It opened its pursuit for a third World Cup title with a 3-1 win against Senegal and a dominant 3-0 win over Iraq. Les Bleus followed that up with a 4-1 win over Norway on Friday to clinch Group I. Now, after another commanding win, in which it scored three goals yet again, this time in the Round of 32, France will play Paraguay in a Round of 16 showdown on July 4. Upset City: Prior to Monday’s Germany-Paraguay matchup, the Germans were a -700 favorite to advance to the Round of 16, after having won Group E. Meanwhile, Paraguay finished third in Group D and lost 4-1 to the United States to open the tournament. But none of that mattered on Monday, after Paraguay took a 1-0 lead, then held on to force the game to penalty kicks, where it defeated Germany 4-3. Wow. Germany had previously never lost a penalty shootout in World Cup history (4-0). It was one of the largest upsets in World Cup history based on ranking, with Germany ranked 10th in the world and Paraguay ranked 41st.

The round of 32 rolls on at the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup with more surprises in store as teams with different styles and different expectations will square off. The day begins in Los Angeles, where one of the pre-tournament favorites in Spain will take on an Austria team that will be looking to relentlessly press its way to a upset. The tournament then shifts to Toronto, where Croatia and Portugal meet in a game that will be highlighted by a clash of two of the game’s best players over the past two decades in Cristian Ronaldo and Luka Modrić. The tournament remains in Canada for the day’s final game in Vancouver, where an improving Switzerland will take on an explosive Algeria team that takes a lot of risks and plays on the edge. Here is all you need to know for Thursday at the World Cup. When: Thursday, July 2, 3 p.m. ET Where: Los Angeles TV: FOX Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One As one of the tournament’s leading contenders, Spain will get its knockout campaign underway on Thursday afternoon when it takes on Austria at Los Angeles Stadium. After being held to a stunning 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in its group stage opener, it has been smooth sailing for Spain, which is yet to concede a goal at the tournament. Following the Cape Verde result, Luis de la Fuente’s team defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0 to win the group. The biggest concern for Spain entering this game is that wingers Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino are not expected to start due to injuries sustained in the win over Uruguay. Obviously, that will place an increased burden on budding superstar Lamine Yamal and Atlético Madrid mainstay Alex Baena to provide width to the Spanish attack and combine with center forward Mikel Oyarzabal. But beyond them, the options are limited. Spain’s strength, however, is in its midfield triangle of Pedri, Rodri, and Mikel Merino, who are among the best in the world in possession. But this game will be a clash of styles. Under manager Ralf Rangnick, Austria presses intensely and relentlessly. If Austria ever loses possession, its players immediately press in an attempt to win the ball back quickly. It will be a huge test for either team to pull off its game plan. Austria will attempt to force turnovers from the best-possession national team in the world, while Spain rarely presses as much as what the Austrians will attempt in this game. Austria’s style of play has the team frequently walking a thin line between success and failure because if the press is ineffective, opponents typically have space to exploit. But this risky approach nearly cost the team dearly against Algeria in the group stage finale. In that game, Austria squandered two leads and then fell behind in stoppage time only to find a last-minute equalizer to advance. Rangnick’s team is very much living on borrowed time at this World Cup. If Austria is going to pull off a stunning upset in this game, Marko Arnautovic will have to play a key role. The 37-year-old center forward has been dealing with an injury that has limited his involvement to no more than 45 minutes in any game. But he has been excellent whenever on the field, having scored two very important goals and served as the team’s emotional leader. Player to Watch The Atlético Madrid man has been sharp in Spain’s last two games, both wins, and was the Man of the Match after scoring a goal in the 1-0 win over Uruguay. In a game against a pressing team, Baena will have the opportunity to exploit space if he can maintain possession under pressure. Baena is playing well and should be a key to Spain’s attack against Austria. When: Thursday, July 2, 7 p.m. ET Where: Toronto TV: FOX Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One Portugal and Croatia will meet on Thursday at Toronto Stadium in one of the most star-studded games in this World Cup’s round of 32. At front and center will be an emotional battle between two legendary former Real Madrid teammates in Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić who are both fighting to keep alive their final hope of winning a World Cup. Neither team has been convincing during the group stage. Portugal was held to lackluster draws by DR Congo and Colombia while only defeating debutants Uzbekistan 5-0. Croatia, meanwhile, has fared only slightly better. After a 4-2 loss to England, Croatia had to fight much harder than expected to notch a 1-0 win over Panama and a 2-1 win over Ghana. For Portugal, Bruno Fernandes is the creator, and he will have to win in the midfield against Croatia, which features Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, and Petar Sučić. It will be a clash of styles as Portugal thrives at speeding the game up while Croatia will look to slow the game down. Because of that, the game will likely be decided in transition play and whether Portugal can get wingers like Rafael Leão and Pedro Neto involved. But many eyes will be on Modrić and Ronaldo, two iconic players who are now over 40. Ronaldo will be playing in his ninth career World Cup knockout but is still searching for his first goal in this stage of the tournament. Modrić is the midfield engine and is coming off a great performance in the win over Ghana where he was everywhere on both sides of the ball. But doing that against Portugal will require an even higher level. Player to Watch In a game such as this with contrasting styles, both teams will be looking have the game played on their terms. For Portugal, that begins with Fernandes who is the engine of the team’s midfield. He is very direct and plays the game with a lot of energy. He will not want to let Croatia slow the game down and become choppy. Portugal struggled against Colombia in the group stage finale, but Fernandes was at the heart of Portugal’s best moments. When: Thursday, July 2, 11 p.m. ET Where: Vancouver TV: FS1 Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One After both Switzerland and Algeria had uneven campaigns in their respective World Cup group stages, the two teams will meet on Thursday at Vancouver Stadium in the round of 32. Switzerland began the tournament with a very poor performance in a 1-1 draw with Qatar but since then, Murat Yakin’s squad has been on the rise with a convincing 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina followed by a 2- win over cohosts Canada. Algeria, meanwhile, have been all over the place in its first three games of the tournament. The lopsided loss to Argentina was expected in the opening game, but the Desert Foxes needed to come from behind in the second half to defeat Jordan 2-1 and then get a result in a wild 3-3 draw with Austria where Algeria came from behind twice, but then blew a lead late to settle for a point. Algeria should be prepared in this game as its head coach, Vladimir Petković, was the head coach of Switzerland for seven years from 2014-2021. Many of the players on Switzerland came into the national team under Petković, and he knows the team well. Despite Petković’s history with Switzerland, the two teams play with very different styles. The Swiss team is more structured and disciplined with its game plan under Yakin, while Algeria is more explosive and lethal on counter-attacks. The team’s attack is driven by veteran wingers Houssem Aouar and Riyad Mahrez, who both play for Saudi Arabian clubs but who both have experience with top European teams. For Switzerland, Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler will be tasked with controlling the midfield and preventing the game from becoming wide open, which is what Algeria would prefer. Player to Watch Switzerland’s 20-year-old midfielder has been one of the top young players of this tournament, with three goals and an assist in the group stage. In the 2-1 win over Canada, the Geneva-born Manzambi was arguably the best player on the field with a goal and an assist. Manzambi has had a great year at the club level with SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga. He was also named the Europa League Young Player of the Season for 2025-26, and he excels at making late runs into the box. He could be one of the keys to victory for Switzerland in this game.

In a dramatic 2026 World Cup round of 32 match, Belgium came back from a two-goal deficit to beat Senegal, 3-2, in extra time. The Red Devils scored two back-to-back goals against Senegal in the 86th and 89th minutes to tie the match and ultimately sending it to extra time. Then midfielder and captain Youri Tielemans scored in the last minute of extra time to secure the victory and get his team to the next World Cup round. Now, what’s next for Belgium at the World Cup? Here is who the Red Devils will play in the round of 16 and their potential path to making the World Cup final. Who Could Belgium Play In The Round Of 16? Following Belgium’s win over Senegal in the round of 32, it now will play one of two teams in the round of 16: USA or Bosnia and Herzegovina, which face off Wednesday night in the round of 32 at San Franscisco Bay Area Stadium. The USA is ranked No. 17, while Bosnia and Herzegovina is No. 64. After advancing to the World Cup round of 16, Belgium will play either the USA or Bosnia and Herzegovina at Seattle Stadium on Monday, July 6 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One. Who Could Belgium Play In The Quarterfinals? If Belgium advances past the round of 16, it has four potential opponents it could face in the quarterfinals: Portugal, Croatia, Spain or Austria. In the round of 32, Portugal will play Croatia in Toronto and Spain will play Austria in Los Angeles on Thursday. In FIFA’s latest rankings, Spain is No. 2, Portugal is No. 5, Croatia is No. 11 and Austria is No. 24. Who Could Belgium Face In The Semifinals? If it makes it that far, there are four possible opponents for Belgium in the semifinals: France, Paraguay, Morocco and tournament co-host Canada. In the round of 16 on Saturday, Morocco and Canada face off at 1 p.m. ET at Houston Stadium, and France and Paraguay play at 5 p.m. ET at Philadelphia Stadium. If Belgium reaches the semifinals, that match will be at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, July 14, at 3 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One.

In one of the biggest matches in United States men’s national team history, the Stars and Stripes will be at full strength. The USA will start its first 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday with its strongest lineup — the same as its first World Cup match against Paraguay — which includes star forward Christian Pulisic. FOX Sports’ Jenny Taft reported Wednesday before the match that Pochettino told her Pulisic is fit and available to play the full match, along with extra time if needed. The USA manager also has been pushing his players to “make sure you play with no regrets,” Taft noted. Through the USA’s run, Pulisic has been dealing with a lingering calf injury, and he’s only played 77 minutes total during this World Cup. Although he contributed to two scores against Paraguay in the Americans’ World Cup opener, he missed the second match against Australia before returning — though not starting — against Türkiye. Goalkeeper: Matt Freese Defender: Antonee “Jedi” Robinson Defender: Tim Ream Defender: Chris Richards Defender: Alex Freeman Midfielder: Tyler Adams Midfielder: Malik Tillman Midfielder: Weston McKennie Attacker: Christian Pulisic Attacker/Defender: Sergiño Dest Forward: Folarin Balogun The United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina will kick off at 8 p.m. ET (FOX/FOX One).