Senegal to face Belgium in World Cup 2026 round of 16 after dramatic qualification

The Lions of Teranga secured their spot in the knockout phase by finishing as one of the best third-placed teams after a competitive group stage. A decisive 5-0 victory against Iraq in their final group match improved their goal difference, leading to an eleventh-hour qualification. Senegal is the only team with three points to advance, while Iran, South Korea, and Scotland were eliminated.

Belgium, who topped their group, had anticipated an easier opponent at this stage. Belgian media outlets, including RTBF, DH, and La Libre, describe Senegal as a formidable and dangerous adversary, highlighting their status as one of Africa's strongest teams in recent years. This match between Belgium and Senegal is expected to be a significant clash in the round of 16, with the winner advancing to face either the United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina in the quarter-finals.