On this episode of The Underdog World Cup Show, Chris Horwedel recaps another dramatic day in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 and previews a major knockout slate featuring England, Belgium, Senegal, the United States, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The show opens with Norway beating Ivory Coast behind a late Erling Haaland winner, after Antonio Nusa opened the scoring and Amad Diallo equalized. Chris breaks down Norway’s upcoming showdown with Brazil and what Haaland’s 60th international goal means for one of the tournament’s biggest stars.
France continues to look like one of the clear World Cup favorites after a 3-0 win over Sweden. Kylian Mbappé scores twice, Bradley Barcola adds another, and Michael Olise continues to create chances as France moves on to face Paraguay. Chris highlights France’s scary attacking depth, its 13 goals through four matches, and why the matchup against Paraguay is more dangerous than it looks after Paraguay’s upset of Germany.
Mexico delivers one of the biggest moments of the tournament at the Azteca, beating Ecuador 2-0 to earn its first World Cup knockout win since 1986. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez score, Raúl Rangel makes a key save, Gilberto Mora brings energy in midfield, and Mexico’s perfect defensive run continues with four wins and four clean sheets.
The episode then previews England vs. DR Congo, Belgium vs. Senegal, and USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, using odds from oddsmakers to frame each matchup. Chris looks at Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham leading England, Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu making DR Congo dangerous, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku trying to push Belgium past a fast Senegal team, and the U.S. facing its first real knockout test under Mauricio Pochettino against an experienced Bosnia side led by Edin Džeko.