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

* Odds supplied by Betway, accurate when this was written.

Lumen Field in Seattle is the venue for Belgium vs Senegal on Wednesday, a 2026 World Cup Round of 32 match that starts at 22:00 CAT. Belgium went through Group G without losing and found their best form in a 5-1 rout of New Zealand, while Senegal sneaked in among the top third placed sides on the back of a 5-0 hammering of Iraq. The two countries have never met in a competitive game before, and it is Belgian know how up against Senegalese muscle. For all our World Cup betting tips, take a look at our dedicated section.

Belgium

Belgium battled to a pair of draws before their gifted forwards cut loose against New Zealand, where Leandro Trossard bagged a brace and Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku also scored. I think their spine is the most settled of anyone left in this side of the bracket, with Thibaut Courtois in goal behind a defence that gave away very little in the group. Nathan Ngoy is also back after sitting out the New Zealand win through suspension, having been sent off against Iran. I see Belgium dictating the pace through De Bruyne and testing a Senegal back line that has looked nervy.

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

Senegal

Senegal were inconsistent in the group, shipping six goals in losses to France and Norway before ripping a 10-man Iraq apart 5-0 to stay in the tournament. As I see it, they have plenty of firepower in Ismaila Sarr, Sadio Mane and the in form Iliman Ndiaye, but the defence is still a concern. Edouard Mendy picked up an injury against Norway and is a doubt, so Mory Diaw should keep his place in goal, and captain Kalidou Koulibaly was left out against Iraq. With Idrissa Gueye holding the midfield, I expect Senegal to push bodies forward, and that could leave gaps for Belgium to exploit on the break.

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

With Belgium's quality going forward and Senegal's shaky defending, this looks like an open game with chances at both ends. I think Belgium, through players like De Bruyne and Trossard, will score, but Senegal have enough in Sarr and Mane to grab one of their own. I believe Belgium's better control of the game carries them into the last 16, although they will probably concede along the way. My forecast: Belgium 2 Senegal 1.

BTTS: Yes (1.89)

My pick is both teams to score, because I do not trust either defence to keep a clean sheet. Senegal have been leaking goals throughout the tournament yet always look dangerous through Sarr and Mane, and Belgium have been far from watertight at the back with Ngoy suspended. Both sides can do damage, so I expect goals at each end.