Preview: Belgium vs Senegal – Latest News, Predicted Lineups, Team News | 2026 World Cup (01/07/2026)

Last update at 30 June, 2026⏲️ Reading time: 6 minutes

Round of 32 clash between Belgium vs Senegal.

Belgium vs Senegal face off in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.

Belgium face Senegal in Seattle on Wednesday night in one of the most intriguing ties of the World Cup Round of 32.

Rudi Garcia's side topped Group G despite making a slow start to the tournament. The Red Devils drew 1-1 with Egypt and 0-0 with Iran before producing their best performance so far, beating New Zealand 5-1 to finish first on goal difference.

Senegal arrive as a dangerous third-placed qualifier from Group I. The Lions of Teranga lost to France and Norway, but kept themselves alive with a 5-0 win over 10-man Iraq. That result lifted them into the knockout phase and gave Pape Thiaw's side fresh belief before facing one of Europe's most experienced teams.

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Belgium finally clicked against New Zealand. Leandro Trossard netted twice, Kevin De Bruyne produced a superb creative display, Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to score and Alexis Saelemaekers completed the rout in stoppage time.

Zeno Debast has not yet played at the tournament because of a leg injury, but he has returned to partial training and could become an option later in the knockout phase. For this match, Garcia is likely to rely on the players who delivered Belgium's most convincing performance of the group stage.

Senegal also arrive with momentum after their biggest win of the tournament. Habib Diarra opened the scoring against Iraq, Ismaïla Sarr doubled the lead, Pape Gueye struck twice after coming off the bench and Iliman Ndiaye completed the 5-0 victory.

Belgium

Garcia has a decision to make in attack. Trossard's performance against New Zealand makes him difficult to leave out, while Lukaku's goal from the bench was a reminder of his penalty-box threat. De Bruyne remains Belgium's most important player, while Thibaut Courtois should continue in goal, with Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans offering balance behind De Bruyne.

Senegal

Thiaw may keep faith with the structure that worked so well against Iraq, although Belgium will pose a very different challenge. Édouard Mendy is doubtful after missing last game due to a knee injury. Mory Diaw filled in between the posts against Iraq, securing the team’s first clean sheet in the tournament. Belgium arrive after their best performance of the tournament, while Senegal's confidence has been restored by a five-goal win in their final group game.

Predicted line-ups

Belgium are expected to build around the team that beat New Zealand, while Senegal may reward several players who impressed in the win over Iraq.

Position	–Belgium	–Senegal
Goalkeeper	Thibaut Courtois	Édouard Mendy
Defenders	Timothy Castagne Brandon Mechele Arthur Theate Maxim De Cuyper	Krépin Diatta Abdoulaye Seck Moussa Niakhaté Ismail Jakobs
Midfielders	Amadou Onana Youri Tielemans Kevin De Bruyne	Idrissa Gueye Lamine Camara Pape Gueye
Forwards	Jérémy Doku Romelu Lukaku Leandro Trossard	Ismaïla Sarr Iliman Ndiaye Sadio Mané

Tactical analysis: Can Senegal stop De Bruyne?

Belgium's attacking rhythm depends heavily on De Bruyne. When he receives between the lines, he can release Doku into space, find Trossard's inside runs or deliver early balls towards Lukaku. Senegal's first task will be to deny him time. Idrissa Gueye and Pape Gueye have the athleticism to make midfield uncomfortable, but they must avoid giving away cheap free-kicks around the box.

The wide areas could be decisive. Doku's one-on-one ability gives Belgium a constant outlet, while Sarr and Ndiaye can hurt Belgium if the Red Devils lose the ball with their full-backs high. Senegal may not dominate possession, but they can make this a physical, transition-heavy contest.

Key players to watch

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

De Bruyne remains Belgium's brain and heartbeat. His performance against New Zealand was a reminder of how quickly he can change a match, whether through a pass, a set-piece or a shot from distance. Against Senegal, his decision-making will be crucial. If he controls the tempo, Belgium should create enough chances to progress. If Senegal disrupt him, the match could become far more uncomfortable.

De Bruyne to record an assist looks like a solid bet. Belgium's attacking play should run through him, and Senegal's compact shape may force the Red Devils to rely on his delivery into Lukaku, Doku and Trossard.

Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal)

Sarr is Senegal's most dangerous transition weapon. His pace, direct running and ability to attack space make him the player Belgium must track carefully, especially when their full-backs push forward. He scored against Iraq and will arrive with confidence. Belgium should have more of the ball, but that could leave exactly the kind of space Sarr wants to attack.

Sarr to register a shot on target looks appealing. Senegal may not create many clear chances, but their best moments are likely to come through quick breaks down his side.

Where to watch Belgium vs Senegal in the UK and Ireland

Belgium vs Senegal kicks off at 21:00 BST on Wednesday, July 1, at Seattle Stadium, also known as Lumen Field, in Seattle, Washington. In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live across the BBC and ITV World Cup schedule, with final channel allocation confirmed closer to kick-off.

In the Republic of Ireland, the match will be available live through RTÉ and RTÉ Player.

Market insights and predictions

Belgium start as favourites, although the knockout draw has handed the group winners a particularly dangerous opponent. The current 2026 World Cup betting odds give Belgium roughly a 55% chance of winning within 90 minutes, compared to around 20% for Senegal, while the draw is priced at approximately 25%.

The goals markets suggest a competitive knockout tie. Over 2.5 goals is priced close to 52%, while both teams to score sits around 50%, reflecting Belgium's attacking improvement and Senegal's counter-attacking threat.

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Belgium looked much sharper against New Zealand, but Senegal have enough pace, power and belief to make this awkward. This is a game that could be decided by the finest of margins, with extra time or even penalties a genuine possibility.

Prediction: Belgium 1-1 Senegal

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