Belgium vs Senegal | FIFA World Cup 2026 — Round of 32 | Preview and Predictions

The knockout rounds will feature some really tough encounters, this being another one of them. Former AFCON champions Senegal will take on European giants Belgium in the Round of 32 on 2nd July at Seattle Stadium in the USA. 

For the game, here we present our preview and prediction.

FIFA WC26 | Round of 32: BEL vs SEN| 01:30 IST, July 2, 2026

Both Belgium and Senegal came into this World Cup with great expectations but they both have been underwhelming by their usual exceptional standards. 

Although Senegal was drawn in a potential group of death along with France and Norway, Belgium had a relatively easier group but it took them the last group game against New Zealand to ensure qualification for the knockouts. They were unbeaten through the group stage with two draws and one win, eventually topping their group with a 5-1 win against New Zealand. Leandro Trossard scored a brace with Kevin de Bruyne, Romelo Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers being the other scorers in the 5-1 rout.  Elijah Just scored the consolation goal for New Zealand.  

Trossard and Jérémy Doku have been the standout players for Belgium in this tournament but even after creating numerous chances, Belgium was unable to win their first two games, drawing against lower-ranked teams like Egypt and Iran. 

As for Senegal, they were somewhat fortunate that a big 5-0 win against Iraq and favourable results elsewhere ensured them a qualification berth even though they lost the other two games. They defeated a 10-men Iraq with a 5-0 scoreline in their final group game to give themselves a chance for qualification. Pape Gueye scored a brace with Habib Diarra, Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye also on the scoresheet. Rebin Sulaka was sent-off for Iraq inside 15 minutes. Ismaïla Sarr has been their most reliable forward having scored three goals and bagged an assist in three games so far. 

Zeno Dabast will be unavailable for Belgium due to a leg injury while Edouard Mendy is out with a knee injury for Senegal. 

The Red Devils had trouble in finishing their chances in the first two games, managing only a goal in their first two group games but scored five goals against New Zealand. However, against a superior opponent, Belgium could struggle. As for Senegal, their problem hasn’t been scoring as they have managed eight goals in three games but lost two of them which points towards defensive frailties. We believe Senegal do have the firepower to trouble Belgium but their defence would have to watch out for the likes of Doku and Trossard upfront. Our prediction for this game would be an upset with Senegal defeating Belgium and booking their place in the Round of 16. 

Score Prediction: Belgium 1-2 Senegal 

Venue: The Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington, USA