The FIFA World Cup Round of 32 continues with another exciting day of knockout football as three highly anticipated fixtures take center stage on July 1. England begin their knockout campaign against DR Congo, Belgium face a dangerous Senegal side, while tournament co-hosts the United States meet Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place in the Round of 16.
With several tournament favorites in action, fans can expect another day filled with drama, goals, and unforgettable moments.
Here’s a complete preview, prediction, and score forecast for today’s World Cup fixtures.
England vs DR Congo
Kick-off: Wednesday
England enter the knockout stage after finishing at the top of Group L with two victories and one draw. Although the Three Lions remained unbeaten, their performances have not always been convincing.
Thomas Tuchel’s men opened the tournament with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia before being held to a goalless draw by Ghana. England then secured qualification with a controlled 2-0 win over Panama.
While England have shown quality going forward, there have been moments where breaking down organized defenses proved challenging.
DR Congo arrive full of confidence after exceeding expectations during the group stage. The African nation earned an impressive draw against Portugal and narrowly lost to Colombia before doing enough to qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Led by their pace in attack and disciplined defensive structure, the Leopards possess enough quality to trouble England’s back line.
Key Players to Watch
England
- Harry Kane
- Jude Bellingham
- Bukayo Saka
- Phil Foden
DR Congo
- Yoane Wissa
- Chancel Mbemba
- Samuel Moutoussamy
Match Prediction
England should have enough attacking quality to progress, but DR Congo have consistently shown they can compete against stronger opposition.
Expect an entertaining contest where both teams create scoring opportunities.
Predicted Result: England 2-1 DR Congo
Belgium vs Senegal
Kick-off: Wednesday
Belgium recovered from a slow start to the tournament with an outstanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand that secured first place in Group G.
After consecutive draws in their opening matches, Rudi Garcia’s side finally displayed the attacking football many expected before the tournament.
Kevin De Bruyne continues to dictate Belgium’s attacking play, while the Red Devils remain unbeaten in their recent international matches.
Senegal also enter the knockout rounds with confidence despite facing one of the tournament’s toughest groups.
Losses to France and Norway came against elite opposition featuring Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, but Senegal responded emphatically by defeating Iraq 5-0 to qualify among the best third-placed teams.
The Lions of Teranga have demonstrated they possess enough attacking quality to challenge Belgium.
Key Players to Watch
Belgium
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Romelu Lukaku
- Jérémy Doku
Senegal
- Sadio Mané
- Ismaïla Sarr
- Pape Matar Sarr
Match Prediction
Both teams have looked dangerous in attack during the group stage, making this one of the most entertaining fixtures of the day.
Goals should arrive at both ends, although Belgium’s greater experience in knockout football may ultimately prove decisive.
Predicted Result: Belgium 2-1 Senegal
USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kick-off: Thursday
The United States continue their home World Cup campaign with growing confidence after an impressive group-stage performance.
Mauricio Pochettino’s squad opened the tournament with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay before defeating Australia 2-0 to secure qualification ahead of schedule.
Although the Americans suffered defeat against Turkey in their final group fixture after rotating several starters, their overall tournament form remains encouraging.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, however, should not be underestimated.
The European side has consistently found the back of the net throughout their recent matches and possesses enough attacking quality to test the American defense.
One concern for the United States remains their defensive consistency, having managed only one clean sheet across several recent international fixtures.
Key Players to Watch
USA
- Christian Pulisic
- Weston McKennie
- Folarin Balogun
Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Edin Džeko
- Amar Dedić
- Benjamin Tahirović
Match Prediction
Playing in front of passionate home supporters should provide the United States with an important advantage.
Bosnia are capable of creating chances, but the Americans appear better balanced across the pitch and should have enough quality to advance.
Predicted Result: USA 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Today’s World Cup Fixtures
| Match | Prediction |
|---|---|
| England vs DR Congo | England 2-1 DR Congo |
| Belgium vs Senegal | Belgium 2-1 Senegal |
| USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina | USA 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Players Who Could Decide Today’s Matches
Several world-class players will be looking to lead their nations into the Round of 16.
Harry Kane (England)
England’s captain remains one of the tournament’s most dangerous forwards. His finishing ability and leadership could prove decisive against DR Congo.
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
Belgium’s midfield maestro continues to create opportunities with his exceptional vision and passing range. If he controls possession, Belgium will be difficult to stop.
Christian Pulisic (USA)
The American captain thrives in big moments and will be eager to inspire the host nation in front of home supporters.
Sadio Mané (Senegal)
Senegal’s biggest attacking threat has the pace and experience to trouble Belgium’s defense throughout the match.
Final Thoughts
Day 4 of the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 promises another thrilling slate of knockout football. England, Belgium, and the United States all enter as favorites, but each faces an opponent capable of producing an upset.
Knockout football often produces surprises, making every chance, tactical adjustment, and individual moment of brilliance even more significant.
Whether it’s England attempting to live up to expectations, Belgium seeking to continue their resurgence, or the United States hoping to capitalize on home support, today’s fixtures have all the ingredients for another unforgettable chapter in the FIFA World Cup.




