Belgium and Senegal head to Seattle to battle it out for a place in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup as their knockout campaigns begin.
The Red Devils were expected to cruise through Group G, but things have been far from convincing. Despite finishing top of the group, they have never really found top gear and were made to work in most games.
They have shown flashes of quality, but Rudi Garcia will know his side needs to improve if they are to make a deep run in the tournament – as they expect to.
An opening game draw with Egypt, followed by another draw with Iran, meant their final game with New Zealand was nervy.
Belgium turned up the style and dispatched New Zealand with ease, beating them 5-1 and booking their place in the knockouts. Meaning they finished top of their group with seven points. There are still questions over whether this Belgium side can live up to expectations.
Senegal also had a hard battle for their place in the knockout rounds. They opened with defeats to both France and Norway in Group I. A group that was dubbed the group of death before the tournament.
That left them needing a win against Iraq for a place in the knockouts. A win they delivered when it mattered most to finish as one of the best third-placed teams.
Belgium have yet to hit their stride, while Senegal have shown throughout the tournament they can be organised, disciplined and capable of causing problems for anyone.
The winner of this tie will face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last 16, with a quarter-final place up for grabs.
How to watch Belgium vs Senegal
Belgium vs Senegal kicks off at 21:00 GMT on Wednesday, July 1 at the Seattle Stadium.
This match will be shown live in the UK on ITV, with streaming also available via ITVX.
In the United States, World Cup coverage is available on FOX Sports and Telemundo.
In Canada, coverage is available on CTV, TSN and RDS.
Belgium team news
Despite some early struggles in the group stage, Rudi Garcia has kept a fairly consistent starting lineup in Belgium’s games so far.
There was the obvious – unwarranted – controversy around Jeremy Doku returning home for the birth of his child, which meant he missed their game against Iran. He has since returned to the squad and will be key if Belgium are to be successful here.
Leandro Trossard got a brace last time out and will be hoping he can continue his goalscoring form. Romelu Lukaku is expected to lead the line for the Red Devils; he has one goal to his name so far.
Zeno Debast is the only name on the Belgium injury list, but he is yet to feature in the World Cup so far anyway. That means Rudi Garcia has plenty of options to choose from.
Expected XI:
(4-2-3-1) Courtois – Castagne, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper – Tielemans, Onana – Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard – Lukaku.
Senegal team news
Despite losing two of their three group games, Senegal looked dangerous and let’s remember they were playing two sides that have already qualified for the round of 16.
Their front three of Sadio Mane, Ismailia Sarr and Nicolas Jackson can cause any defence problems on their day. They will look to exploit Belgium’s marauding full-backs on the counter whilst also soaking up the pressure.
They will, however, be without their starting goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The former Chelsea goalkeeper has suffered a knee injury and will miss this tie.
Mory Diaw is set to take over between the sticks in what could be a baptism of fire for the shot stopper.
Expected XI:
(4-3-3) Diaw – Diatta, Seck, Niakhate, Jakobs – Diarra, Gueye, Gueye – Ndiaye, Sarr, Mane.
Belgium vs Senegal stats
- Belgium scored five of their six World Cup goals in one game – vs New Zealand.
- Senegal scored eight goals in their three group games.
- Senegal conceded six goals across their group stage games.
- Belgium drew two of their three group games and won their final game.
- Senegal lost their opening two group games before winning their final game.
- Belgium have reached the World Cup knockout stages in three consecutive tournaments.
- Belgium and Senegal have never met at the World Cup previously.
Belgium vs Senegal prediction
Despite being favourites, Belgium haven’t looked like a team capable of winning the World Cup based on what we’ve seen so far.
They topped Group G, but every performance left you feeling there was another level they never quite reached.
That gives Senegal every reason to believe they can spring a surprise. They recovered from two defeats to reach the knockout stage and they won’t be intimidated by Belgium.
The biggest issue for Belgium has been creating clear-cut chances against teams that are happy to sit in. They’ve enjoyed plenty of possession through the tournament, but turning that into goals is where they struggle.
That should suit Senegal. They’ve been compact without the ball for most of the competition and will be happy to sit deep and look to break on the counter with their pace.
The danger with that approach is that Belgium still have players capable of producing a moment of magic. They may not have clicked as an attacking unit yet, but it only takes one moment in knockout football.
I don’t see this being a comfortable evening for Belgium, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this one stays level for long periods. That said, I’d back Senegal to qualify here. I just think they are the side more capable of grinding out a result and have shown more promise.
Both teams have looked vulnerable at the back at times during their group games. So backing both teams to score looks a sensible pick here.
If you’re looking at the scoreline or goalscorer markets. I’d fancy a punt at Sarr to score anytime and 2-1 Senegal.
