World Cup Round of 32 – July 2 Preview: England Begin Knockout Campaign, Belgium Face Senegal Test | Win Probability + Match Outlook
The FIFA World Cup Round of 32 continues on July 2 with three exciting knockout clashes. England are expected to start as favourites against DR Congo, while Belgium face a physically demanding contest against Senegal. Meanwhile, the USA and Bosnia & Herzegovina meet in what could be one of the closest matches of the knockout round.
With no second chances in knockout football, every tactical decision and every scoring opportunity could define who advances to the Round of 16.
England vs DR Congo (July 2 | Round of 32)
Win Probability
🏴 England Win: 71%
🤝 Draw (After 90 Minutes): 17%
🇨🇩 DR Congo Win: 12%
Predicted Scores
1️⃣ England 2–0 DR Congo
2️⃣ England 3–1 DR Congo
3️⃣ England 2–1 DR Congo
Key Factors
England's finishing quality
DR Congo's physical strength
Midfield control
Match Analysis
England possess superior squad depth, international experience and attacking quality, making them clear favourites entering this fixture.
DR Congo are expected to rely on athleticism and quick transitions. If they can remain compact defensively and frustrate England early, they could keep the contest competitive.
England should dominate possession and dictate the tempo, while DR Congo look for counter-attacking opportunities.
England have a strong advantage and are well positioned to reach the Round of 16.
Belgium vs Senegal (July 2 | Round of 32)
Win Probability
🇧🇪 Belgium Win: 54%
🤝 Draw (After 90 Minutes): 24%
🇸🇳 Senegal Win: 22%
Predicted Scores
1️⃣ Belgium 2–1 Senegal
2️⃣ Belgium 1–0 Senegal
3️⃣ 1–1 Draw (Extra Time)
Key Factors
Belgium's creative midfield
Senegal's pace on the counter
Set-piece efficiency
Match Analysis
Belgium hold a slight technical advantage and should enjoy more possession throughout the game.
Senegal's athleticism and defensive discipline make them dangerous opponents, especially in transition. This could develop into one of the most competitive fixtures of the day.
Belgium are likely to control possession, while Senegal focus on quick breaks and direct attacks.
Belgium enter as favourites, but Senegal are capable of forcing a very close contest.
USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina (July 2 | Round of 32)
Win Probability
🇺🇸 USA Win: 48%
🤝 Draw (After 90 Minutes): 27%
🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina Win: 25%
Predicted Scores
1️⃣ USA 2–1 Bosnia & Herzegovina
2️⃣ USA 1–0 Bosnia & Herzegovina
3️⃣ 1–1 Draw (Extra Time)
Key Factors
USA's pressing intensity
Bosnia & Herzegovina's aerial threat
Transition efficiency
Match Analysis
The USA enter with a youthful squad capable of maintaining a high tempo for long periods. Bosnia & Herzegovina bring experience, physical presence and dangerous set-piece routines.
This appears to be the most evenly balanced fixture on the July 2 schedule.
The USA are expected to press aggressively and attack early, while Bosnia & Herzegovina may stay compact before looking for counter-attacking opportunities.
If the score remains level late in the match, extra time becomes a realistic possibility.
The USA hold a slight edge, but Bosnia & Herzegovina have every chance of producing a knockout surprise.
Sources
Reuters
FourFourTwo
The Sun
NY Post
Official FIFA World Cup Match Schedule
Can England live up to expectations and reach the Round of 16? Will Belgium overcome Senegal's physical challenge? And in the day's closest matchup, will the USA have enough quality to eliminate Bosnia & Herzegovina?