BelgiumvsSenegal

Belgium edged Senegal 3–2. Goalscorers — Belgium: R. Lukaku 86', Y. Tielemans 89', Y. Tielemans 120'+5 (pen); Senegal: H. Diarra 25', I. Sarr 51'.

Belgium met Senegal in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. It belongs to the Round of 32 — the opening knockout stage introduced for the expanded 48-team format in 2026, bringing together the 12 group winners, 12 runners-up and the eight best third-placed teams. From this point the tournament is win-or-go-home.

Belgium go in ranked 9th in the FIFA World Ranking to Senegal's 14th — a gap of 5 places that is narrow enough that form, fitness and the occasion may matter more than seeding. It is an inter-confederation meeting — Belgium of UEFA against Senegal of CAF — the kind of contrast in styles the World Cup exists to stage.

Belgium arrive at the 2026 World Cup at a crossroads, as the golden generation that took them to the top of the FIFA rankings and a World Cup semifinal in 2018 is coming to an end. The retirements of Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois from international duty, along with the aging of other key figures, have forced Belgium into a rebuilding phase.

Senegal enter the 2026 World Cup as the reigning African champions and one of the strongest teams the continent has ever produced. The Lions of Teranga won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022, defeating Egypt on penalties in the final, and claimed a second AFCON title in 2025, cementing their status as Africa's dominant force.

Belgium: Belgium's best World Cup result was a semifinal appearance in 2018 in Russia, where they finished third after losing to France. Senegal: Senegal's most memorable World Cup appearance was their debut in 2002, when they stunned defending champions France 1-0 in the opening match and reached the quarterfinals.

The match is scheduled at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, United States. Kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 08:00 PM (04:00 PM ET).