Belgium vs Senegal: World Cup Round of 32 Preview

Belgium and Senegal will face off in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 tie on Wednesday, July 1, at Seattle Stadium. Both teams enter the knockout stage after rebounding from sluggish group campaigns with decisive victories in their final group matches.

Group Stage Recap

Belgium finished top of Group G after a slow start that saw them draw 1-1 with Egypt and 0-0 with Iran. In their final group game, the Red Devils defeated New Zealand 5-0, with Leandro Trossard playing a starring role. The result secured Belgium's place in the knockout rounds for the first time since their group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Senegal, meanwhile, lost their first two Group I matches against France and Norway before routing Iraq 5-0 in their final group fixture. Midfielder Papa Gueye contributed two goals and an assist in the victory. Senegal finished third in the group but advanced on goal difference.

Match Details

The match kicks off at 13:00 local time in Seattle (22:00 Brussels, 20:30 Dakar). The winner will return to Seattle Stadium for a Round of 16 match against either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Belgium: Courtois; Castagne, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Vanaken; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; Ketelaere

Senegal: Diaw; Diatta, Seck, Niakhate, Jakobs; Diarra, Gueye, Camara; Mbaye, Sarr, Mane

Quotes

“People are very happy. The atmosphere will be great in my country because we’re going to the next stage. I feel very good. I think we’re growing into the tournament, myself as well.” — Leandro Trossard, Belgium forward

“We needed to show that there's another side to Senegal.” — Papa Gueye, Senegal midfielder

Venue: Seattle Stadium

Seattle Stadium, known for its unique horseshoe shape and open north end offering views of the Seattle skyline, holds two Guinness World Records for loudest outdoor stadium (set in September and December 2013). It is home to MLS side Seattle Sounders and NFL's Seattle Seahawks. During the 2026 World Cup, the stadium has hosted Bosnia and Herzegovina's 3-1 win over Qatar, USA's 2-0 victory over Australia, and Egypt's 1-1 draw with Iran. Belgium also played there in the group stage, drawing 1-1 with Egypt.

How to Follow

Broadcast details will be available closer to match day on the FIFA World Cup scores and fixtures page. Fans can also follow via the FIFA Match Centre for team news, live blogs, and statistics. Ticket and hospitality information is available on the official FIFA ticketing page.