Starting lineup: Belgium vs Senegal

The crucial match at Lumen Field between Belgium and Senegal will decide who advances to the World Cup quarter-finals. While the European side maintains its unbeaten run, the African champions need to rediscover their identity after recent unfavorable results.

Báo Lâm Đồng•01/07/2026

Team lineup updated at 02:23 on 02/07/2026

Official lineup

Belgium

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Coach: Rudi Garcia

Starting lineup:

1. Thibaut Courtois (G)
21. Timothy Castagne (D)
4. Brandon Mechele (D)
3. Arthur Theatre (D)
5. Maxim De Cuyper (D)
8. Youri Tielemans (M)
20. Hans Vanaken (M)
10. Leandro Trossard (M)
7. Kevin De Bruyne (M)
11. Jérémy Doku (M)
17. Charles De Ketelaere (F)

Substitutes:

13. Mike Penders
12. Senne Lammens
15. Thomas Meunier
16. Koni De Winter
18. Joaquin Seys
25. Nathan Ngoy
6. Axel Witsel
19. Diego Moreira
22. Alexis Saelemaekers
23. Nicolas Raskin
24. Amadou Onana
14. Dodi Lukebakio
9. Romelu Lukaku
26. Matías Fernández-Pardo

Senegal

Formation: 4-3-3

Coach: Bouna Thiaw Pape

Starting lineup:

23. Mory Diaw (G)
15. Krépin Diatta (D)
6. Pathé Ismaël Ciss (D)
19. Moussa Niakhaté (D)
14. Ismail Jakobs (D)
21. Habib Diarra (M)
5. Idrissa Gana Gueye (M)
26. Pape Gueye (M)
13. Iliman Ndiaye (F)
18. Ismaïla Sarr (F)
10. Sadio Mané (F)

Substitutes:

1. Yehvann Diouf
3. Kalidou Koulibaly
4. Abdoulaye Seck
24. Antoine Mendy
25. El Hadji Malick Diouf
2. Mamadou Sarr
17. Pape Matar Sarr
8. Lamine Camera
22. Bara Sapoko Ndiaye
7. Assane Diao
9. Ahmadou Bamba Dieng
11. Nicolas Jackson
12. Cherif Ndiaye
20. Ibrahimovic

The World Cup knockout rounds are always where character and focus are paramount. The clash between Belgium and Senegal at Lumen Field at 3:00 AM on July 2nd, 2026, is not just a contest between two major footballing nations, but a do-or-die battle. Given the nature of the Round of 16, the winner advances, while the loser is officially eliminated from the tournament.

Belgium and the necessary stability

The Belgian team enters this round in relatively stable form. In their last three matches, the European representatives have remained undefeated. Specifically, they have secured one win and two consecutive draws in their recent games.

Belgium's playing style demonstrates resilience and excellent control of the game's tempo. Maintaining an unbeaten streak has given the players a strong mentality before entering the intense knockout stage. However, to be able to settle the match within 90 minutes, Belgium needs to improve their finishing ability and create more decisive moments instead of settling for draws.

The ultimate challenge for Senegal.

In contrast to their opponents, Senegal is going through a difficult period in terms of form. In their last three matches, the African team has suffered two consecutive defeats. Their only victory came three games ago, indicating a decline in their effectiveness.

The pressure on Senegal is immense right now. Losing their last two matches could significantly impact the players' confidence. In a knockout round, any mistake can be costly. Senegal needs to quickly regain their morale and rediscover the cohesion that helped them win the continental title if they want to spring a surprise against a seasoned opponent like Belgium.

Script at Lumen Field

In terms of current form, Belgium has a slight advantage due to their consistent playing style. Their defensive capabilities and ability to control the tempo will pose a significant challenge to Senegal's attack. Meanwhile, Senegal will undoubtedly opt for a cautious approach, prioritizing safety in their own half before waiting for opportunities from quick counter-attacks.

This is a match where errors will be minimized. Both teams are likely to approach the game with extreme caution. A moment of individual brilliance or a defensive error could decide the fate of the entire match. At Lumen Field, the team with the stronger character will be the key to unlocking the door to the quarter-finals.

Belgium's recent form

June 27, 2026: New Zealand 1-5 Belgium (Winner)
June 22, 2026: Belgium 0-0 Iran (Draw)
June 16, 2026: Belgium 1-1 Egypt (Draw)
June 6, 2026: Belgium 5-0 Tunisia (Winner)
June 2, 2026: Croatia 0-2 Belgium (Winner)

Senegal's recent form

June 27, 2026: Senegal 5-0 Iraq (Winner)
June 23, 2026: Norway 3-2 Senegal (Loss)
June 17, 2026: France 3-1 Senegal (Loss)
June 10, 2026: Saudi Arabia 0-0 Senegal (Draw)
June 1, 2026: USA 3-2 Senegal (Loss)

Rankings

Team	Location	Point	form
Belgium	1	5	WDD

Team form and statistics

Belgium (Host)

Form in the last 5 matches: DDW

Statistics for this season:

Matches played: 3
Wins: 1 (0 at home)
Draw: 2 (2 home games)
Losses: 0 (0 at home)

Goal:

Scored: 6 goals (Average: 2.0 goals/match)
Goals conceded: 2 (Average: 0.7 goals/match)

Senegal (Guest)

Form in the last 5 matches: LLW

Statistics for this season:

Matches played: 3
Wins: 1 (0 away)
Draw: 0 (0 away goals)
Losses: 2 (2 away games)

Goal:

Scored: 8 goals (Average: 2.7 goals/match)
Goals conceded: 6 goals (Average: 2.0 goals/match)

Force situation

Belgium

Z. Debast: Injury (Missing Fixture)

Senegal

United States - Vietnam: Don't miss

Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung visits and works in Minnesota, USA.From June 28-30, the Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States, Nguyen Quoc Dung, paid a visit and worked in Minnesota.

Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment in high technology.On the morning of June 26th, at the Government Headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung received Mr. Jeff Place, Supply Chain Director of Coherent Group (USA). During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment, especially in high-tech, innovation, and semiconductor industries.

Encourage U.S. businesses to expand investment in high-tech sectors.Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung said that Vietnam welcomes US businesses to continue expanding their operations in Vietnam, especially in high-tech industries and sectors with high added value.