World Cup 2026: Senegal ready for Belgium showdown – Pape Thiaw

Senegal will turn their attention to a high-stakes Round of 32 clash against Belgium after securing a commanding victory over Iraq in their final group-stage outing at the global tournament in Seattle.

The Lions of Teranga now face one of Europe’s most formidable sides as they prepare for Wednesday night’s knockout encounter at the Seattle Stadium, with confidence growing inside the camp following a dominant performance in their previous match.

Against Iraq, Senegal delivered a resounding 5–0 win, a result that underlined both their attacking sharpness and defensive discipline on a crucial night in their campaign.

Head coach Pape Thiaw praised his players for their control and determination, describing the performance as one that reflected their broader ambition at the tournament.

“We won 5–0, and I think it was well deserved. The team handled this match well,” Thiaw said.

He acknowledged the early resistance posed by Iraq, noting that the game was more demanding than the scoreline suggested in its opening stages.

“It wasn’t easy at first because we were playing against a direct rival who wanted this victory too,” he added. “Our future is no longer in our own hands. We will have to wait and see. But we got the job done.”

The victory ensured Senegal maintained momentum heading into the knockout phase, where they now shift focus to a decisive encounter with Belgium national football team.

Belgium, long regarded as one of Europe’s elite football nations, will present a significantly tougher challenge, with both sides battling for a place in the last 16 of the competition.

Senegal’s progression adds another chapter to their growing reputation on the global stage, built on recent years of consistency and rising confidence in major tournaments. However, the clash with Belgium is expected to test their tactical discipline, squad depth, and ability to handle pressure in decisive moments.

Their route to the knockout stage was strengthened by an emphatic display against Iraq national football team, a match that showcased their attacking efficiency and ability to convert dominance into goals at a critical stage of the competition.

As preparations intensify in Seattle, Senegal will look to carry forward the momentum from that performance while fine-tuning their approach for one of their toughest assignments yet on the world stage.