2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Preview: Belgium vs. Senegal

The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded, and the matchups for the Round of 32 have been revealed and are now underway.

Belgium, winners of Group F, will face Senegal, the third-placed team in Group I, on July 1 in Seattle. Both teams have shown both positive and negative signs at times, but this Round of 32 matchup is one of the more balanced fixtures and should make for an exciting World Cup contest.

Belgium did not have the easiest path to qualification, as they scored just one goal in their first two matches — an own goal by the opposition — and drew both games. In their final group-stage match against New Zealand, Belgium finally played to their potential, winning 5-1. Their veterans came under criticism after the first two performances but responded strongly to close out the group stage.

Belgium will rely heavily on experienced players who have featured in previous knockout games, such as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard, who leads the team with two goals.

Although Senegal finished third in their group, it is important to note that Group I was widely considered the “group of death,” featuring France, Norway and Iraq. After losses to France and Norway, Senegal qualified with three points after a dominant 5-0 win over Iraq.

Senegal’s Ismaïla Sarr leads the team with three goals, while veteran Sadio Mané will look to bring his big-match experience in what should be a competitive Round of 32 game.

The winner of this match will face the winner of USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16 on July 6 in Seattle.