2026 World Cup Heats Up: England, Belgium, and USA Advance to Round of 32.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup

According to Espreso.tv: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being hosted across three nations: Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This edition marks the first time 48 national teams are competing, reflecting soccer's growing global appeal. Currently, the Round of 32 is underway, featuring teams such as England, DR Congo, Belgium, Senegal, the United States, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The tournament kicked off on June 11 with an opening match in Mexico City, and the final is scheduled for July 19 in New York. Matches are being held across 16 cities, including:

• Toronto
• Vancouver
• Guadalajara
• Mexico City
• Monterrey
• Atlanta
• Boston
• Dallas
• Houston
• Kansas City
• Los Angeles
• Miami
• New York
• Philadelphia
• San Francisco
• Seattle

Round of 32 Fixtures

The Round of 32 features the following matchups:

• July 1 at 7:00 PM: England vs. DR Congo
• July 1 at 11:00 PM: Belgium vs. Senegal
• July 2 at 3:00 AM: United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina

England finished first in Group L, where they faced Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. DR Congo advanced to the knockout stage from third place in Group K, which also included Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. Belgium topped Group G, competing against Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. Senegal, who advanced from third place in Group I, battled France, Norway, and Iraq. The United States won Group D, featuring Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey, while Bosnia and Herzegovina reached the Round of 32 from third place in Group B, alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.

The 2026 World Cup promises to be a spectacular event, with new formats and opportunities for teams to showcase their skills on the international stage.

This championship represents a pivotal moment for soccer's growth, as expanding to 48 teams opens doors for nations that previously lacked the chance to compete at this level. The matches, spread across cities in three countries, aim to attract a broader fan base and foster cultural exchange between nations. A successful tournament could set a precedent for future World Cups and further boost soccer's popularity worldwide.