THU, jULY 2, AT 1:30 aM
Seattle, June 30: Belgium will look to build on their improved group-stage finish when they take on Senegal in a Round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, with a place in the last 16 at stake.
Rudi Garcia’s side progressed as Group winners, but their campaign has been far from convincing. Belgium opened with a 1-1 draw against Egypt before being held to a goalless stalemate by Iran, raising doubts over their title credentials. However, a dominant 5-0 victory over New Zealand in their final group match secured top spot and restored confidence ahead of the knockout rounds.Currently ranked ninth in the FIFA rankings, Belgium are aiming to replicate the form that saw them finish third at the 2018 World Cup after suffering a disappointing group-stage exit in Qatar four years later.Senegal, meanwhile, qualified as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams despite enduring a mixed group stage. Consecutive defeats to France and Norway left the Lions of Teranga facing elimination before they responded with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Iraq.The result not only sealed Senegal’s place in the knockout stage but also made history, as they became the first African nation to score five goals in a single World Cup match. (AP)
