Belgium vs Senegal: World Cup Round of 32 Preview

Belgium face Senegal at Lumen Field in Seattle on 1 July 2026, in a World Cup Round of 32 tie. Belgium arrive as Group G winners with 5 points and a +4 goal difference, while Senegal progressed from Group I with 3 points and a +2 goal difference after scoring 8 and conceding 6.

Team News

For Belgium, Z. Debast (Injury) is sidelined. The young defender’s absence slightly thins their options at the back but does not remove a primary source of goals or creativity, with key attacking figures such as R. Lukaku and K. De Bruyne available to start.

Senegal are without first-choice goalkeeper É. Mendy (Twisted Knee), who is sidelined. His injury forces a change in goal behind a side that has leaned heavily on its attacking core. Leading scorer I. Sarr, with 3 goals and 1 assist in 3 matches, is available, as is P. Gueye, who has added 2 goals and 1 assist from midfield. Chief creator I. Ndiaye, on 2 assists and 1 goal in limited minutes, is also fit.

In attacking terms, neither side loses a major contributor from the top scorers or assists lists, so the bulk of both teams’ offensive output remains on the pitch, with Senegal’s firepower slightly offset by the disruption at goalkeeper.