The United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina await the winners of an intriguing encounter in Seattle – but first, Belgium and Senegal must settle who gets that date. The Group G winners meet the third-place finishers from Group I in a World Cup last‑32 tie that pits a stuttering European powerhouse against a Senegal side fresh from thrashing Iraq 5‑0.
Belgium have had the advantage of being settled in Seattle over the last few weeks, with Rudi Garcia’s side remaining in their base camp city for both this game and the next round – if they get there. In a tournament where travel may become more of a talking point, that feels a possible advantage.
“Belgium and Senegal meet for a last‑32 place; winners face USA or Bosnia‑Herzegovina in Seattle.”
This is the last dance for much of Belgium’s so‑called “Golden Generation”, who never quite achieved the tournament success it felt like they ought to. After stuttering out of the starting blocks and only finding form against New Zealand, the pressure is on Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and the rest to conjure a run at the trophy.
Garcia was keen to talk up the importance of his wider squad ahead of the game, insisting that his first XI mattered little with substitutions just as important. Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers had registered off the bench against New Zealand and will remain in those roles for this contest.
Perhaps surprisingly, Belgium and Senegal have never previously met – it feels like the sort of friendly that should have happened once, surely. Senegal’s attacking prowess was on show in their 5‑0 demolition of Iraq after tough fixtures with France and Norway, while Belgium’s form has been erratic.
The winners will face either co‑hosts the United States or Bosnia‑Herzegovina in the round of 16. The United States face Bosnia‑Herzegovina later tonight, with the prospect of a Seattle showdown against the victor of this tie. England have already secured their last‑16 spot after Harry Kane’s brace secured a comeback victory against DR Congo.
Belgium XI: Courtois; Theate, Mechele, De Cuyper, Castagne; De Bruyne, Tielemans, Vanaken; Trossard, Doku, De Ketelaere. Senegal XI: Diaw; Jakobs, Diatta, Niakhate; I. Gueye, Ciss, Diarra, P. Gueye; Mane, Ndiaye, Sarr.