Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne Key to Belgium's Success
Belgium's opening match at the 2026 World Cup ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw against Egypt. However, the

In the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, Belgium is set to clash with Senegal in a match that promises to be competitive. Belgium, known as the Red Devils, enters this knockout stage after a mixed performance in the group phase, having drawn against Egypt and Iran before securing a decisive 5-1 victory over New Zealand to advance.
Despite not being overly convincing in their group matches, Belgium boasts a wealth of experience in their squad, including stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. Coach Rudi Garcia's team has maintained an impressive unbeaten streak of 16 matches across all competitions, which includes nine victories. This record provides a solid foundation as they prepare for the knockout rounds.
On the other hand, Senegal's journey to this stage has been less straightforward. The African team struggled in their group, suffering defeats to France and Norway. They managed to progress thanks to a significant 5-0 win against Iraq in their final group match, securing their spot as one of the best third-placed teams.
While Senegal has talented players like Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson, and Ismaila Sarr, they have faced challenges in team cohesion. As they prepare to face a seasoned Belgium side, Senegal will need to overcome their difficulties to pull off an upset.
With Belgium's experience and the pressure of knockout football, the Red Devils are expected to emerge victorious, likely by a narrow margin. The match is set to take place at 3 AM on July 2, and fans are eager to see if Belgium can live up to their expectations and advance further in the tournament.