World Cup 2026 July 1 R32 Predictions & Betting Tips

Three Big Round of 32 Ties On Wednesday

The World Cup 2026 knockout stage rolls on and Wednesday July 1 brings three Round of 32 fixtures, with two African teams — DR Congo and Senegal — both in action. Morocco have already booked their place in the last 16 after beating the Netherlands on penalties, and Nigerian fans will be watching closely to see if the Congolese and Senegalese can follow the Atlas Lions into the next round.

Ghana’s own Round of 32 tie against Colombia is still a few days away (Kansas City, July 3 local time), but for now the focus is on England, DR Congo, Belgium, Senegal, the USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here’s the full breakdown with kick-off times in WAT and betting tips for every match.

Nine African nations reached this year’s Round of 32, a record for the continent, and even without the Super Eagles on the biggest stage, Nigerian football fans have plenty to shout for. DR Congo and Senegal both carry that weight into their matches today, and a win for either would keep Africa’s knockout run alive alongside Morocco, with Ghana, Egypt and Algeria still to come.

England vs DR Congo — 5:00pm WAT, Atlanta

England topped their group and go into this tie as heavy favourites against a DR Congo side appearing in their first World Cup knockout round in decades. The Congolese have been the surprise package of the tournament, riding a solid defensive record and pace on the counter to reach the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.

England have the firepower to break down a well-organised Congo backline, but this DR Congo team has already shown it can frustrate bigger names in the group stage. Expect England to dominate possession while DR Congo sit deep and look to hit on the break.

Tip: England to Win & Under 3.5 Goals — odds around 1.65 on Bet9ja. England should have enough class to get through, but a cagey, low-scoring knockout affair looks the more likely path to victory than a rout.

For the full picture on DR Congo’s road to the knockouts, see our DR Congo World Cup 2026 guide.

Belgium vs Senegal — 9:00pm WAT, Seattle

Senegal came through as one of the better third-placed teams and face a Belgium side built around a golden generation still chasing a first World Cup semi-final. Belgium’s attack has looked sharp through the group stage, but their defence has been shaky at times — exactly the kind of matchup that suits Senegal’s direct, pacy front line.

Senegal have talent up top capable of hurting any defence in the world, and this tie has the makings of an open, entertaining contest rather than a backs-to-the-wall defensive shutout. Both sides need goals to win, and both have shown they can concede them.

Tip: Both Teams to Score — odds around 1.85 on SportyBet. Backing Senegal to nick a goal against a Belgium defence that has leaked chances all tournament feels like solid value, even if Belgium’s overall quality should be enough to progress.

Read our full Senegal World Cup 2026 guide for squad news and the road ahead.

USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina — 1:00am WAT (July 2), San Francisco

The late kick-off sees co-hosts USA take on a Bosnia and Herzegovina side that qualified as one of the better third-placed teams. Playing on home soil has given the Americans a lift throughout the group stage, and the crowd advantage should count for something again here.

Bosnia have been solid rather than spectacular, built on a compact shape and set-piece threat. The Americans have more individual quality across the pitch, and home advantage in a knockout game is not to be underestimated.

Tip: USA to Win — odds around 1.75 on BetKing. The hosts have momentum and the crowd behind them; Bosnia will need something special to spring the upset.

For official match details and lineups, check FIFA.com and BBC Sport for live updates throughout the day.

What’s Next on the Bracket

Winners from today’s ties move straight into the round of 16, joining Morocco in the next phase of the tournament. If DR Congo or Senegal spring an upset, it keeps Africa’s remarkable run — nine teams reaching the knockouts this year — firmly in the headlines heading into the weekend. Losers head home, but with Ghana, Egypt and Algeria all still to play their Round of 32 ties over the coming days, there’s no shortage of reasons for Nigerian fans to keep watching even with the Super Eagles absent from this tournament.

Remember to gamble responsibly and only stake what you can afford to lose. For more predictions and tips across the tournament, check our World Cup 2026 accumulator picks for today.

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