Preview: Belgium and Senegal meet in intriguing knockout clash | OneFootball

Having both advanced from their group in dramatic fashion, Belgium and Senegal will now meet at the Seattle Stadium in the Round of 32.

Belgium head into the clash as winners of Group G after a slow start to their campaign, eventually finding their rhythm in a comfortable win against New Zealand in their final game to secure top spot. Rudi Garcia’s side opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt, followed by a goalless draw with Iran, before ending the group stage in emphatic fashion with a 5-0 victory over New Zealand.

Belgium’s best performance at a World Cup came in 2018 when they secured a third-place finish, before being eliminated at the group-stage at the 2022 World Cup. However, they are unbeaten in their last nine matches in all competitions, including this year’s edition of the tournament.

Belgium have never faced Senegal in either the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup or in any previous international meeting. The Red Devils have almost a full squad available for the clash, with veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has earned 112 international caps, expected to start in goal. Defender Zeno Debast remains a doubt with a leg injury, although he could still feature if passed fit before kick-off.

Meanwhile, Senegal have endured a difficult start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, suffering back-to-back defeats against France and Norway in their opening two group matches. The Lions of Teranga not only secured an emphatic 5-0 victory over Iraq but also made history in that win by becoming the first African nation to score five goals in a single World Cup match.

Senegal’s best performance at the World Cup came in 2002, in South Korea and Japan, where they reached the quarter-finals in their debut appearance at the tournament. They reached the Round of 16 in Qatar 2022 before being knocked out by England in a 3-0 defeat.

In contrasting form to Belgium, Senegal have won two of their last six matches, while also recording one and three defeats.

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy will be unavailable after picking up a knee injury in the second group stage match against Norway. He has left the Senegal camp to return to his club, Al-Ahli Saudi FC, for medical treatment. There is also potential for Abdoulaye Seck to start in place of Kalidou Koulibaly after impressing during his opportunity against Iraq. Meanwhile, Ismaïla Sarr and Sadio Mané are expected to spearhead the Senegalese frontline.

The match will kick off at 9pm in the UK, 4am EST and 1:30 am (IST) and will be broadcast live on ITV 1 and STV with it available to stream on BBC iPlayer, ITVX and STV Player.