Former African champions Senegal face a tough test against 2014 bronze medalists Belgium in their Round of 32 clash at the 2026 World Cup tournament.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides the detailed match preview and betting tips for the July 1 clash at the Seattle Stadium in Seattle.
Belgium vs Senegal match preview
Belgium finished as winners of Group G despite an underwhelming performance in their first two games of the tournament. The Red Devils began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt, before recording another draw against Iran in their second group game.
However, they returned to their devastating best on match-day three when they thrashed New Zealand 5-0 in their final match, to set up a fascinating clash against the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament finalist and return to the knockout after failing to progress beyond the group stage in 2022.
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Senegal, on the other hand, had a long wait until the end of the group stage games to be assured of qualification as one of the best-ranked third-placed teams. The Lions of Teranga progressed alongside France and Norway in a difficult Group I and will be hoping for a deep run at the tournament.
They were defeated 3-1 by France in their first game and also lost 3-2 to Norway in their second game. However, they recorded an emphatic 5-0 win over Iraq in their final match of the group to secure progress to the next round.
Belgium vs Senegal Head-to-Head
Both sides will meet for the first time at senior level in international football.
— Football Senegal (@FootballSenegal) June 28, 2026
Best betting odds
- Over 1.5 Goals – 1.33 (via 1xBet)
Prediction
Both sides have great attacking options and will create several goalscoring chances, setting this game up for a high goalscoring contest.
Recent form: Belgium
Belgium have not lost any of their last 16 matches, although they have drawn two of their three matches at the 2026 World Cup.
The Red Devils have only managed one clean sheet in their 2026 World Cup campaign, although they have found the back of the net in all three games.
Top Melleurs 3e de La Coupe Du Monde. Senegal est assuré 🇸🇳 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XSti1fTV4k
— Football Senegal (@FootballSenegal) June 27, 2026
Recent form: Senegal
Senegal have been on an unimpressive run of form with just a single win from their last five games across all competitions, which was the 5-0 win over Iraq in their last game.
The Lions of Teranga only kept two clean sheets during this period, although they have managed to score in all of their last three games, averaging 2.7 goals per game.
Player to watch
Sadio Mane (Senegal)
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Sadio Mane has been very impressive for Senegal so far at the World Cup and while he was not on the scoresheet against Iraq, he made things tick with his impressive linkup play.
The former Liverpool star will lead from the front once again and will be crucial to Senegal’s hopes of getting a result.
