World Cup 2026: Belgium vs Senegal Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Belgium face Senegal at Lumen Field in Seattle on Wednesday, with kickoff at 22:00 CAT in this 2026 World Cup Round of 32 tie. Belgium won Group G unbeaten and hit top gear with a 5-1 thrashing of New Zealand, while Senegal squeezed through as a best third placed team after a 5-0 demolition of Iraq. This is the first competitive meeting between the two nations and it pits Belgian experience against Senegalese power. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Belgium

Belgium ground out two draws before their talented attack exploded against New Zealand, with Leandro Trossard scoring twice and Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku also on target. In my opinion they have the most settled spine left in this half of the draw, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois behind a back line that conceded little in the group. They will also be boosted by the return of Nathan Ngoy, who missed the demolition of New Zealand following a red card against Iran. I expect Belgium to control the tempo through De Bruyne and ask questions of a Senegal defence that has looked shaky.

Predicted Lineup: Courtois; Castagne, Mechele, Ngoy, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Vanaken; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku.

Senegal

Senegal blew hot and cold in the group stage, giving up six goals in defeats to France and Norway before tearing 10-man Iraq apart 5-0 to keep their tournament alive. From my point of view they carry a serious attacking threat through Ismaila Sarr, Sadio Mane and the in form Iliman Ndiaye, but the defence remains a worry. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was injured against Norway and remains in doubt for this one, so Mory Diaw is expected to continue in goal, while captain Kalidou Koulibaly was dropped for the Iraq game. With Idrissa Gueye anchoring midfield I expect Senegal to commit numbers forward, which could leave them exposed against Belgium's counter.

Predicted Lineup: Diaw; Diatta, Niakhate, Seck, Jakobs; Camara, I. Gueye, Diarra; Mbaye, Mane, Sarr.

This has the look of an open tie with goals at both ends, given Belgium's attacking quality and Senegal's defensive frailties. I expect Belgium, led by the likes of De Bruyne and Trossard, to find the net, but Senegal carry enough through Sarr and Mane to get on the scoresheet themselves. My read on this is that Belgium's greater control sees them through to the last 16, though not without conceding. My forecast: Belgium 2 Senegal 1.

BTTS: Yes (1.89)

I am backing both teams to score and my read on this is that neither defence is good enough to keep this clean. Senegal have leaked goals all tournament but always carry a threat through Sarr and Mane, while Belgium are missing the suspended Ngoy and have not always looked secure at the back. With both sides able to hurt the other, I expect the net to bulge at each end.