The first-ever encounter between Belgium and Senegal is an all-or-nothing match in the
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Senegal made it through the group stage as the eighth and final third-placed finisher. In a group with two European teams, Senegal’s three points came from a win against Iraq.
Their goal difference was remedied by that 5-0 victory and it needed fixing. Senegal’s games against France and Norway were wide defeats – 3-1 and 4-1, respectively – and getting past Belgium today will require a much improved showing. There’s also been some animosity surrounding bonus payments and general organisation in the camp, too.
Ismaila Sarr, though, has shone throughout. The Crystal Palace forward has struck three times, while Mane looked back to his Liverpool best against Iraq.
Four years after failing to get out of the group, Belgium’s own progress was far from straightforward. Rudi Garcia’s side did top their group but needed to beat New Zealand after draws with Egypt and Iran.
The Red Devils are now at the stage of their World Cup where every game could be the last for what’s left of the talent pool that took them to the 2018 semi-finals.
Nine members of the squad are aged 30 or over, including Thibaut Courtois (34), Axel Witsel (37), Kevin De Bruyne (35) and Romelu Lukaku (33). For some of Belgium’s most noteworthy modern players, World Cup 2026 is a last hurrah.
Now, it’s sudden death to boot.
FourFourTwo’s prediction
Belgium 1-1 Senegal
FourFourTwo predicts a penalty shoot-out in front of the Hawks Nest. The Red Devils edge it.
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