On this episode of The Underdog World Cup Show, Chris Horwedel recaps another dramatic day in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32, led by England surviving DR Congo, Belgium stealing a wild extra-time win over Senegal, and the United States earning its biggest World Cup knockout victory in more than two decades. The show opens with England’s 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo, as Brian Cipenga gives Congo an early lead before Harry Kane scores twice late to send England into a massive Round of 16 matchup against Mexico at the Azteca.
Chris then breaks down Belgium’s 3-2 extra-time win over Senegal, one of the wildest games of the knockout stage so far. Senegal led 2-0 behind Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr before Belgium came back through Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans, with Tielemans later converting a controversial penalty after a VAR review. Belgium now moves on to face the United States, but Chris notes the defensive concerns that could make that matchup unpredictable.
The U.S. men’s national team gets a major spotlight after beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in Santa Clara for its first World Cup knockout win since 2002. Folarin Balogun scores his third goal of the tournament before being sent off after a VAR review, meaning he will miss the Belgium match. Malik Tillman seals the win with a late free kick, Matt Freese keeps another clean sheet, Christian Pulisic starts, and Mauricio Pochettino earns his third win of the tournament.
The episode then previews Spain vs. Austria, Portugal vs. Croatia, and Switzerland vs. Algeria, using odds from oddsmakers to frame the knockout pressure. Chris highlights Spain’s perfect defensive record, Austria’s structure, Portugal’s attacking talent, Croatia’s tournament experience, Switzerland’s consistency, and Algeria’s spark behind Riyad Mahrez.