Belgium vs Senegal July 2: Kevin De Bruyne vs Sadio Mane In Spotlight; Check Combined Playing 11, Predicted Lineups Here

Belgium national football team faces one of their toughest tests of the FIFA World Cup 2026 tonight as they lock horns with Sadio Mane's Senegal in a blockbuster Round of 32 clash at the Seattle Stadium.

Both teams had a slow start to their World Cup campaigns but found top gear at the perfect time. Belgium stormed into the knockout stages after a dominant victory over New Zealand, while Senegal kept their World Cup dream alive with a stunning five-goal display against Iraq.

With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, expect another thrilling contest between two sides carrying plenty of momentum.

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Belgium vs Senegal Preview

Belgium comes into the knockout stages full of confidence. After opening their campaign with consecutive draws against Egypt and Iran, the Red Devils produced one of their best performances of the tournament by dismantling New Zealand.

Leandro Trossard starred in the emphatic victory as Belgium finished atop Group G and returned to the knockout rounds after missing out in Qatar 2022. Kevin De Bruyne continues to remain Belgium's creative heartbeat, while Jeremy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere have added pace and flair in the final third.

Senegal's journey has been equally dramatic. Defeats against France and Norway left the African giants on the brink of elimination before they bounced back spectacularly with a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq.

Papa Gueye was the standout performer with two goals and an assist as Senegal qualified for the Round of 32 on goal difference. Led by captain Sadio Mane, the Lions of Teranga will now look to continue their resurgence against one of Europe's biggest footballing nations.

The winners of tonight's encounter will return to Seattle for a Round of 16 clash against either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
With stats, form and probable line-ups in mind, we have prepared a combined starting XI for this fascinating knockout encounter.

Belgium forward Leandro Trossard believes his side are growing stronger with every match. "People are very happy. The atmosphere will be great in my country because we're going to the next stage. I feel very good. I think we're growing into the tournament, myself as well," he explained.

Senegal midfielder Papa Gueye also believes his side have finally shown their true potential. "We needed to show that there's another side to Senegal."

When And Where To Watch Belgium vs Senegal Tonight?

Match: Belgium vs Senegal

Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 32

Venue: Seattle Stadium, United States

Date: July 2 (IST)

Kick-off Time: 1:30 AM IST

Fans can watch the match through the official FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasters in their respective regions.

Win Probability

Belgium enter as slight favourites because of their experience and attacking depth, although Senegal's physicality and counter-attacking quality could make this a closely fought contest.

Belgium: 52%

Draw (90 Minutes): 25%

Senegal: 23%

Belgium vs Senegal Prediction

Both teams have found momentum at exactly the right time and neither side will want to concede early in a knockout fixture.

Belgium vs Senegal Predicted Score: Belgium 2-1 Senegal

Belgium vs Senegal Combined Predicted XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)

Defenders: Timothy Castagne (Belgium), Koki Machida (Belgium), Arthur Theate (Belgium), Ismail Jakobs (Senegal)

Defensive Midfielders: Youri Tielemans (Belgium), Lamine Camara (Senegal)

Attacking Midfielders: Jeremy Doku (Belgium), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium), Sadio Mane (Senegal)

Striker: Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium)

Reason Behind The Choices In Combined XI

Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)

The experienced Belgian goalkeeper remains one of the world's finest, combining reflexes with knockout-stage experience.

Timothy Castagne (Belgium)

Castagne earns the right-back spot with his defensive consistency and ability to contribute effectively in attack.

Brandon Mechele (Belgium)

The experienced centre-back gets the nod thanks to his composure, aerial dominance and reliable performances throughout the tournament.

Arthur Theate (Belgium)

Theate partners Mechele with his physical presence, aggressive defending and calmness in possession.

Ismail Jakobs (Senegal)

Jakobs claims the left-back position through his pace, attacking intent and defensive reliability.

Youri Tielemans (Belgium)

Tielemans provides balance in midfield with his passing range, experience and ability to control the tempo.

Lamine Camara (Senegal)

The young Senegal midfielder has impressed with his energy, ball-winning ability and composure beyond his years.

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Jeremy Doku (Belgium)

Doku remains Belgium's biggest threat out wide thanks to his explosive pace and fearless dribbling.

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

Belgium's captain continues to dictate games with his world-class vision, creativity and ability to produce decisive moments.

Sadio Mane (Senegal)

Senegal's inspirational captain earns his place after once again leading from the front with his pace, experience and clinical finishing.

Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium)

The Belgian forward leads the line thanks to his intelligent movement, technical quality and growing influence in the final third.