Belgium v Senegal prediction, lineups & World Cup 2026 tips

Belgium's route through Group G was meant to be the launchpad for a deep run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Instead, Rudi Garcia's side spent most of the group stage looking like a team still searching for their best form. Two draws against Egypt and Iran had serious questions swirling around the Red Devils before a 5-1 hammering of New Zealand on matchday three settled nerves and sent them into the round of 32 as group winners. Senegal now stand between them and the last 16, in Seattle on Wednesday night.

Belgium topped Group G with five points but their campaign was far from convincing. The 1-1 draw with Egypt was followed by a goalless blank against Iran, a result that left Garcia's side in genuine danger of an early exit. When the 5-1 win over New Zealand finally arrived, it was more a release of tension than a statement of intent. Garcia was at pains to note fitness as a mitigating factor, telling reporters in Seattle on Tuesday: "Before this game against Senegal, we are lucky to have everyone available and that's a good thing because it was not the case for the first three games."

The numbers do carry some encouragement. Belgium averaged 2.25 expected goals per game across the group stage and kept their average goals conceded down to 0.67 per match. Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku drove the New Zealand rout, while Leandro Trossard also caught the eye. Romelu Lukaku, now 31, leads the line and will be central to everything Belgium try to do going forward.

Senegal's path to this point was rougher still. Aliou Cisse's side lost their opening two games, 3-1 to France and 3-2 to Norway, and needed a big swing in goal difference on the final day to squeeze through. They got it: a 5-0 demolition of Iraq, aided by a red card for the Iraqis in the 13th minute, was enough to make them the eighth-best third-placed side and earn a last-32 berth. The manner of that win flattered the scoreline, but the Lions of Teranga do carry genuine attacking threat. Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye and Sadio Mane all featured prominently, and all three games Senegal played ended with over 1.5 goals. Their average goals conceded across the group stage was 2.0 per match, which will be the number that concerns Cisse most ahead of this knockout tie.

Garcia, speaking ahead of the fixture, was measured about Senegal's threat despite the relief of having a fully fit squad to call on for the first time. "Everyone was not 100 percent for the first three games," he said, suggesting Belgium's improved form in the final group game was as much about physical availability as tactical sharpness.

Belgium v Senegal kicks off at 21:00 BST on Wednesday 1 July 2026. In the UK, BBC and ITV share the rights to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Check BBC iPlayer and the ITV Hub for the live stream. Viewers in the US can watch via Fox Sports or Telemundo.