- 1 Belgium vs Senegal: A heavyweight clash in Seattle for a place in the last 16
- 2 Belgium want to back up their turnaround, but the pressure is still on
- 3 Senegal want to roar again and pull off another famous result
- 4 Probable line-ups:
- 5 World Cup 2026 Prediction : Belgium vs Senegal
- 6 First, a word on our predictions
- 7 No commitment from us
- 8 Information changes
- 9 Your role
- 10 Responsible gambling first
- 11 Legal age
- 12 About the images
Belgium vs Senegal: A heavyweight clash in Seattle for a place in the last 16 
Belgium and Senegal meet on Wednesday on the pitch at Seattle Stadium in a last-16 tie that looks set to be fierce and finely balanced. Through as group winners after a late surge, Rudi Garcia’s Red Devils face a serious test. Across the line, the Lions of Teranga arrive with nothing to lose, having made history to reach this stage, and they are carrying the hopes of a whole continent.
Belgium made a slow start to the tournament, first drawing with Egypt (1-1) and then grinding out a frustrating goalless draw against Iran (0-0), before finally cutting loose with a 5-0 demolition of New Zealand on the final matchday. Senegal, meanwhile, came through a tough Group I thanks to a historic attacking masterclass against Iraq (5-0), becoming the first African nation to score five times in a World Cup match. With the two sides meeting for the first time in their history, this one should have plenty of bite.
Belgium want to back up their turnaround, but the pressure is still on 
Ninth in the FIFA rankings and keen to put right the damage of their early exit in 2022, Belgium are out to prove this so-called transition generation can still recreate the magic of 2018, when they finished third. For this crucial date, Rudi Garcia has almost a full squad to choose from, although defender Zeno Debast remains a doubt despite returning to full training on Sunday. If he misses out, Arthur Theate should line up alongside Brandon Mechele in the centre of defence, with Castagne and De Cuyper either side.
Going forward, the danger is spread across the Red Devils. Leandro Trossard, Belgium’s top scorer in the tournament with two goals, will be one to watch, as will the metronomic Kevin De Bruyne and the lively Jérémy Doku in support of Charles De Ketelaere. That 5-0 win over New Zealand will have done the mood no harm, but the flatness shown in the first two games is a reminder that Belgium will need to raise their level sharply to avoid a Senegal trap.
Senegal want to roar again and pull off another famous result 
Driven by the dream of matching or even bettering the iconic 2002 run to the quarter-finals, Senegal head into this knockout stage with huge ambition. But the coach has a major problem: first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has a knee injury and has left the camp to continue treatment at Al-Ahli. That means Mory Diaw gets the gloves. At the back, Kalidou Koulibaly could again find himself on the bench, with Abdoulaye Seck – outstanding against Iraq – expected to start.
Even with that defensive issue and Mendy missing, Senegal’s attacking talent should worry Belgium’s back line. Ismaila Sarr, electric in the group stage, will lead the charge alongside Nicolas Jackson and the experienced Sadio Mane. Blessed with explosive pace and real physical power, Senegal know Belgium can struggle with balls in behind, and they will be looking to use that speed to swing this tie their way.
Probable line-ups:
Belgium : Courtois ; Castagne, Theate, Mechele, De Cuyper ; Vanaken, Tielemans ; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku ; De Ketelaere
Senegal : Diaw ; Jakobs, Seck, Niakhate, Diatta ; Camara, Gueye, Diarra ; Mane, Jackson, Sarr
on MathODDS
World Cup 2026 Prediction : Belgium vs Senegal
Draw or Senegal
Belgium were impressive in their final group game, but the challenge they faced from New Zealand was nowhere near what awaits them on Wednesday night. The Red Devils looked worryingly short of ideas when asked to take the game to Egypt and Iran, showing a lack of cohesion and an attack that was at times blunt. Against Senegal’s compact, all-action unit, Rudi Garcia’s side could run into a wall and leave themselves open to lightning counter-attacks.
Senegal, freed up by that historic showing against Iraq, have the big-game experience and the firepower – Mane, Sarr and Jackson – to punish any lapses in the Belgian centre-back pairing. Even without Edouard Mendy in goal, the Lions’ collective spirit and physical edge in midfield should help them keep Kevin De Bruyne quiet. Senegal taking a draw over 90 minutes, or even winning outright, looks a strong bet.
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