The Short Version
After two days of penalty shocks that sent Germany and the Netherlands home, July 1 belonged to the favourites — but only just. England edged Congo DR 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to reach the last 16, and Belgium survived a five-goal thriller with Senegal, winning 3-2 at Lumen Field. Both European group winners are through, yet both were pushed hard by opponents who refused to be brushed aside. The day’s third tie, Mexico against Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca, had not been confirmed as this roundup went to press. England and Belgium advance; Congo DR and Senegal go home.
The round of 32 has feasted on heavyweights this week: Germany gone, the Netherlands gone, both on penalties. July 1 threatened more of the same, and for long stretches it looked possible. In the end the favourites held — England and Belgium are into the last 16 — but neither was allowed to make it look comfortable, and the day underlined how little margin there is at this stage.
England edge past Congo DR
England reached the last 16 with a 2-1 win over Congo DR at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, but the scoreline flatters the ease of it only slightly. The Group L winners were made to work by one of the tournament’s best third-placed qualifiers, a Congo DR side that had already shown in the group stage it would not be intimidated by a bigger name.
England came in as one of the pre-tournament favourites, and after topping a Group L they were expected to handle this. They did — but a 2-1 is a reminder that the depth of this expanded field means even the seeded sides face awkward, committed opponents in the round of 32. Congo DR leave with credit; England move on, into the last 16 and still among the contenders, the result confirmed.
Belgium survive a Senegal thriller
The day’s best game was in Seattle. Belgium beat Senegal 3-2 at Lumen Field in a genuine thriller, the kind of open, end-to-end knockout tie that the group stage rarely produces. The Group G winners had to score three to get through, because Senegal — qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams — kept answering back.
It was the opposite of the low-event grinds that have decided so many knockout ties. Belgium, who came through Group G ahead of Egypt, showed their attacking quality but also how exposed they can be at the back, and Senegal will feel they were a moment or two from taking it to extra time. Two goals conceded is a warning Belgium will carry into the last 16, as the day’s coverage captured. But three scored, and through they go.
Who’s into the last 16
July 1 sent two more European group winners into the last 16:
- England beat Congo DR 2-1 — Congo DR out
- Belgium beat Senegal 3-2 — Senegal out
Both winners came from the top of their groups, and after a week in which seeds kept falling on penalties, the favourites holding firm — even narrowly — shifts the mood a little. The day’s third tie, Mexico vs Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca, had no confirmed result as this roundup was written; we will update once it is settled. The round of 32 rolls on, with Portugal against Croatia and more ties still to come, the bracket taking shape.
Frequently asked questions
What were the July 1 World Cup results? England beat Congo DR 2-1 and Belgium beat Senegal 3-2 in the round of 32. Both England and Belgium advanced to the last 16. The result of Mexico vs Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca had not been confirmed at the time of writing.
What was the England vs Congo DR score? England beat Congo DR 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to reach the last 16 as the Group L winners.
What was the Belgium vs Senegal score? Belgium beat Senegal 3-2 at Lumen Field in Seattle, a five-goal thriller, to reach the last 16 as the Group G winners.
Which teams were eliminated on July 1? Congo DR and Senegal were both knocked out of the round of 32, having reached the knockouts as best third-placed qualifiers.
Did any favourites go out on July 1? No. Unlike June 29 and 30, when Germany and the Netherlands fell on penalties, July 1’s group winners England and Belgium both advanced — though neither had a comfortable win.
How did Congo DR and Senegal reach the round of 32? Both Congo DR and Senegal qualified as best third-placed teams from the group stage, a route created by the 48-team format that sends eight of the twelve third-placed sides into the knockouts.
Where were the July 1 matches played? England vs Congo DR was at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and Belgium vs Senegal was at Lumen Field in Seattle. Mexico vs Ecuador was scheduled for the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
What round-of-32 ties are still to come? Further round-of-32 ties remain, including Portugal vs Croatia at BMO Field on July 2 and Australia vs Egypt at AT&T Stadium on July 3.
