Belgium meets Senegal in World Cup round of 16

Belgium's "golden generation" entered the 2026 World Cup having topped Group G with five points, including a 5‑1 win over New Zealand after earlier draws with Egypt and Iran. The squad, missing veterans Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Vermaelen, Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens, is led by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and striker Romelu Lukaku. They will face Senegal in the round of 16 in Seattle on Wednesday.

Senegal qualified as one of the tournament's best third‑placed teams after a 5‑0 victory over Iraq, despite earlier defeats to France and Norway. Coach Pape Thiaw is weighing a recall of 35‑year‑old defender Kalidou Koulibaly. Midfielder Amadou Onana, born in Dakar, said he had hoped not to meet Senegal, adding, "I would rather lose to France than play Senegal," but will now confront his country of birth on the pitch.