2026 World Cup: Belgium to face Senegal in round of 32
Following Congo's 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan on Saturday night, Belgium know their round-of-32 opponent. On Wednesday 1 July at 1 pm local time (10 pm Belgian time), the Red Devils will face Senegal in Seattle. The Africa Cup finalist finished third in Group G with three points, behind France and Norway.
Belgium had secured top spot in their group with a convincing win over New Zealand on Friday, but had to wait for Saturday's results to learn who they would meet in the next round. Thanks to Congo's victory over Uzbekistan, Belgium's opponent in the round of 32 will be Senegal.
Senegal had a difficult start to the tournament, losing 3-1 to France and then 3-2 to Norway. A commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq, however, was enough to see them through as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Belgium and Senegal have never faced each other before.
Contested African champion
Senegal is one of Africa's best sides, currently sitting 18th in the FIFA rankings, just eight places below Belgium. They initially won the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco earlier this year, but were later handed a forfeit defeat by the African Football Confederation after the Senegalese players walked off the pitch when a penalty was awarded to Morocco.
This is Senegal's fourth appearance at a World Cup. On their debut in 2002, they reached the quarter-finals, with coach Pape Thiaw part of that squad as a player. The current generation is built around star player Sadio Mane and a number of players who play or have played at the highest level in Europe, including goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, defender Kalidou Koulibaly and forward Nicolas Jackson.
Belgium-Senegal will be played in Seattle on 1 July at 10pm Belgian time. The winner of the match will face the winner of the clash between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 16. If Belgium wins those matches, European champion Spain could be waiting in the quarter-finals.
© BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY
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