Belgium to Face Senegal in FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage

Washington. The Red Devils, or Belgium, will now have to face the very dangerous Senegal. Senegal, who advanced to the knockout stage as one of the best third-place teams in the group stage, are now aiming to reach the Round of 16 by defeating Belgium.

Senegal, who controversially lost the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, were seen as a team that would go a long way in this World Cup despite being in a tough group. However, after losing to France and Norway in the first two matches, they were under pressure to win against Iraq in the third match.

But in the 13th minute of the game, an Iraqi player received a red card, leaving them with 10 players. Senegal then dominated the opposition in the second half. A spectacular 5-0 victory propelled Senegal to the knockout stage. Senegal also became the only 'lucky' team to advance to the next round with only three points.

Pape Thiaw's team still looks very dangerous and has no particular reason to fear Belgium's current squad.

On the other hand, Belgium has once again failed to perform as expected. Although some players from the golden generation are still in the team, they have not been able to make a consistent impact. However, an easy victory over New Zealand was enough to put the Red Devils in the top 32.

Based on superior goal difference, Belgium finished ahead of Egypt at the top of Group 'G'. However, facing Senegal in the first knockout match has created a situation where being the group winner does not hold much significance.

• Lions of Teranga in Search of a Rare Knockout Win

Given the talent available to Pape Thiaw in Senegal's current squad, reaching the knockout stage is in itself a remarkable achievement. The team's campaign was at risk of being affected by off-field issues, ranging from complaints about food quality to disputes over player bonuses. However, the resilient Lions of Teranga have emerged even stronger.

Belgium's supporters do not seem very optimistic about this match. Coach Rudi Garcia made some effective changes against New Zealand, which showed some positive signs.

However, Belgium's current team looks sluggish. The team seems to rely heavily on the speed of Jérémy Doku as the main source of energy in attack.

Senegal's speed could be decisive against a sluggish Belgium. Senegal even put France, one of the most impressive teams in the tournament, under significant pressure in the first 45 minutes. Thiaw's strong defensive structure and quick counter-attacks caused France a lot of problems.

Senegal is currently in excellent form and will take to the field with high confidence before Wednesday's match.

• Ineffective Belgium

Belgium has become the first team since the USA in 2010 to win their group without winning their first two matches.

Although they comfortably defeated New Zealand in the third match, their weak performance against Egypt and Iran has clearly indicated that Belgium could face problems against strong teams.

Senegal is the strongest opponent Belgium has faced this summer.

• Ismaila Sarr's Excellent Form

Ismaila Sarr has maintained his excellent form at Crystal Palace in the World Cup as well. He has directly contributed to four goals in this tournament, scoring three himself. His chemistry with the fast striker Nicolas Jackson could put significant pressure on Belgium's aging defense.

• Possibility of Many Goals

In this match to be held in Seattle, the possibility of goals from both teams appears strong. A total of 14 goals were scored in Senegal's three group matches. Only Norway's matches had more goals, i.e., 15.

According to Opta computer, Belgium had the most shots in the group stage with 73. The computer's prediction also favors Senegal.

• Belgium's Probable Starting Lineup

Rudi Garcia made some effective changes against New Zealand. Defender Nathan Ngoy has returned to the team after serving a one-match suspension. However, Garcia may continue with Arthur Theate alongside Brandon Mechele.

Zeno Debast has been Belgium's main injured player throughout the tournament, and it is still unclear whether he will be able to play at the start of the knockout stage.

Hans Vanaken had a positive impact in midfield in the last match. Similarly, Jérémy Doku, who returned home after the birth of his first child, has also returned to the starting lineup.

Both Doku and Leandro Trossard are expected to play from the wings on Wednesday, while Charles De Ketelaere will be the main striker.

Romelu Lukaku, who failed to make an impact after being in the starting lineup in the second match against Iran, is more likely to play from the bench this time.

Belgium's probable team (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Castagne, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper; Vanaken, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere.

• Senegal's Probable Starting Lineup

Senegal's goalkeeper Edouard Mendy's preparation for Wednesday's match was not entirely smooth. He missed the decisive third group stage match due to a knee injury. He has since returned to the team after undergoing tests in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and is expected to be fit to play against Belgium.

Apart from this, coach Pape Thiaw has no new injury-related problems. Nicolas Jackson may return to the starting lineup to lead the attack.

However, Kalidou Koulibaly is likely to remain on the bench, as Abdoulaye Seck has taken his place in the center of defense.

Pape Gueye, who came on as a substitute in the last match and scored two excellent goals, is very likely to be included in the starting lineup this time.

Senegal's probable team (4-3-3): Mendy; Diatta, Seck, Ndiakhate, Jakobs; Idrissa Gueye, Pape Gueye, Camara; Sarr, Jackson, Mané.

Overall

• Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
• Stadium: Lumen Field
• Date: Wednesday, July 1
• Kick-off time: Thursday 1:45 AM (Nepali time)
• Referee: Said Martinez (Honduras)