Two African teams were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup on day 21 despite taking the lead in the round of 32 fixtures.

DR Congo took a 7th minute lead against England but they let Harry Kane score a brace with 15 minutes to go. It was an interesting game but eventually heartbreaking for the Leopards of DR Congo. Mpasi mad so many saves that it was a hard one to see them lose in 90 minutes. Kane took his tally to 5 goals in the 2026 World Cup.

A more heartbreaking result is the match involving Senegal. The Teranga Lions led Belgium 2-0 with 5 minutes of regulation time left to play but they eventually lost 3-2 at the end of extra time. How?

Habib Diarra opened scoring in the 24th minute, Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead in the 51st minute. Belgium began the comeback in the 86th minute with Lukaku on the scoresheet. Trossard assisted Youri Tielemens  3 minutes later, edging the game to extra time.

@OptaJoe: 6 – Leandro Trossard is the sixth Arsenal player to deliver an assist at the 2026 World Cup, with no club featuring more assist providers at the tournament:

Ødegaard (3)
Gyökeres (2)
Saka (2)
Gabriel (1)
Rice (1)
Trossard (1)

Process.

On the stroke of the 120th minute, Tielemens was fouled in the box. After a long VAR review, the penalty was awarded and Tielemens converted. The Senegalese defeat was painful. It was excruciating.

This is the 12th comeback win in the 2026 World Cup, the only edition with 10+ comeback victories. 5 of which were against African sides.

Hosts USA made light work of Bosnia & Herzegovina with a 2-0 victory. Folarin Bolagun was on the scoresheet but also got sent off for a stamp. Malik Tillman doubled the lead 8 minutes from time.

@OptaJack: 2006 – Folarin Balogun is the fourth player to score a goal and receive a red card in a FIFA World Cup knockout match:

🇺🇸Folarin Balogun – 2026 round of 32
🇫🇷Zinedine Zidane – 2006 final
🇧🇷Ronaldinho – 2002 quarter-final
🇧🇷Garrincha – 1962 semi-final

Company.

For day 22, Spain play Austria in Los Angeles, Portugal and Croatia battle in Toronto, while Switzerland play Algeria in Vancouver. I expect Spain and Switzerland to progress. Will Ronaldo lift Portugal over Croatia? Will Modric do same for Croatia?

Predictions: Spain 3-0 Austria, Portugal 1-1 Croatia, Switzerland 2-1 Algeria.