Belgium and Senegal battle for a round of 16 place at the World Cup – and a possible meeting with co-hosts the United States in Seattle.
An intriguing encounter brings together the Group G winners and third place finisher in Group I – though it could well be a closer clash than those facts might suggest. Belgium rather stuttered out of the starting blocks at this tournament and only found form and fluency against New Zealand, while Senegal showed their attacking prowess with a 5-0 thrashing of Iraq after tough fixtures with France and Norway.
The pressure feels on a Belgian team hoping to enjoy a last hurrah at this tournament, with a so-called “Golden Generation” having fallen short of success on this stage in the past. Can Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and the rest conjure the sort of campaign required to make a run at the trophy? Or will Senegal end their hopes in the first knockout round?
Follow all of the latest from the World Cup clash with our live blog below:
How Belgium got here
It was a shaky start for Belgium as they failed to fire against both Iran and Egypt, but a thrashing of New Zealand represented a welcome return to form and ensured they topped the group.
Harry Latham-Coyle1 July 2026 18:10
World Cup knockout bracket
The knockout stages are well underway at this World Cup – here’s everything you need to know:
World Cup 2026 knockout fixtures, results and full tournament bracket
The knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup are in full swing in North AmericaHarry Latham-Coyle1 July 2026 18:00
Belgium vs Senegal LIVE
A round of 16 encounter with the United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina is the prize for today’s victor as Belgium battle Senegal in a fascinating World Cup clash. A meeting of a group winner and third-placed finisher might suggest a mismatch but there is plenty of reason to believe a close contest may well be in store in Seattle.
Kick off is at 9pm BST.
Harry Latham-Coyle1 July 2026 11:55