Belgians hopeful ahead of Knockout Stage

Belgium take on Senegal on Wednesday evening in Seattle with a place in the Round of 16 on the line. Rudi Garcia’s side finished top of their group, while Senegal progressed as one of the highest-ranked third-placed teams after a dramatic finish to the group stage.

Match Preview

Belgium’s position as group winners only tells part of the story. While they collected five points and conceded just twice, their performances varied considerably. The opening draws against Egypt and Iran exposed periods where creativity was lacking, although the final group match against New Zealand produced the response Garcia had been looking for.

That 5-1 victory demonstrated the attacking depth within the squad. Goals came from several different players during the group phase, suggesting Belgium are not overly dependent on one individual. With Kevin De Bruyne supplying chances and Romelu Lukaku providing a focal point (from start or from the bench), they remain capable of causing problems against any defence.

Senegal, meanwhile, have taken a more complicated route into the knockout rounds. Successive defeats placed them under immediate pressure, but the comprehensive win over Iraq ensured they advanced while also creating a piece of tournament history with five goals in a single match by an African nation.

Their challenge now is repeating that level against considerably stronger opposition. The Lions of Teranga have looked dangerous going forward, particularly through Ismaila Sarr and the experience of Sadio Mane, but they have also conceded goals against two of three teams so far in the tournament. Against Belgium’s creative midfield, defensive concentration will be tested throughout.

This being the first meeting between the nations adds another layer of intrigue, with neither side having previous experience of the other’s approach in competitive football.

Team News

Belgium could welcome Zeno Debast back after the defender returned to training following a leg injury. Timothy Castagne and Maxim De Cuyper are expected to occupy the full-back positions, with Arthur Theate likely to partner in central defence.

Leandro Trossard has scored twice at the tournament, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers have each added one goal.

Senegal’s biggest concern surrounds goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who suffered a knee injury in their second match and has since left the squad for further assessment. Abdoulaye Seck is pushing to retain his place in defence, while Ismaila Sarr is expected to lead the attack alongside Sadio Mane.

Odds and Tips

Belgium have not been flawless, but they showed in their final group game what they can produce when everything clicks.

Senegal deserve credit for reaching the knockout rounds and have enough attacking quality to stay competitive, yet Belgium’s greater depth and creativity could make the difference over 90 minutes.

Tip: Belgium to win at 2.18.

Don’t forget that we also have Early Payout on this match, which you can read more about here.

Odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.

Last Updated: 09.07.2026