Belgium, the worst first-placed team in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, and Senegal, which qualified as one of the eight best third-placed teams (the worst among them), face each other in the 32-team phase this Wednesday (1st), at 5pm, in Seattle.
Belgium took first place in Group G with 5 points — the lowest score for a leader in this edition. The other members of the group were Egypt, Iran and New Zealand.
With 3 points, Senegal, in Group I, took one of the places offered in this World Cup to the eight best third-placed teams. Their group rivals were much more challenging: France and Norway, as well as Iraq.
In the group stage, the numbers of the two teams are similar. They made the same number of tackles (42), practically tied for successful passes (Belgium: 1,386; Senegal: 1,377) and, in the third round, found the net against their rivals five times (Belgium 5 x 1 New Zealand; Senegal 5 x 0 Iraq).
The African team lost to the two Europeans it faced in the first phase. Against France, 3-1. For Norway, the defeat was 3-2.
Belgium, who only beat New Zealand, drew 1-1 with Egypt and goalless draw with Iran.
Currently, Senegal is the second highest ranked African team in the FIFA rankings, in 18th position, behind only Morocco, sixth. Belgium occupies 10th place.
After traveling to London during the group stage to see the birth of his son, Belgian winger Jérémy Doku will be available again to join Rudi Garcia’s squad.
Defender Zeno Debast, injured since the start of the competition, trained with the team, but is still doubtful for the clash against Senegal.
In an interview with journalists, Debast praised the opponents of the 32nd stage.
“Senegal is a good team. They proved this by winning the African Cup of Nations. But, when we are at our best level, we must certainly show what we are capable of,” said the Sporting (Portugal) player.
On the Senegal side, the biggest absence is goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, who injured his left knee against Norway, in the second round of the group stage. Mory Diaw, who has since replaced him, is expected to start the match against Belgium.
This is the first time that the two teams have faced each other. The winner of the match will face the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina, who would play this Wednesday, at 9pm, in San Francisco.
