World Cup 2026: Senegal stand between Belgium’s golden generation and their fading dream

Belgium’s remaining golden generation will attempt to keep its World Cup ambitions alive when it meets Senegal in Wednesday’s Round of 32 encounter in Seattle, with one of the tournament’s most experienced squads facing a side determined to build on its late resurgence.

While several of the players who helped shape Belgium’s celebrated era have already stepped away from the international stage, a core group from the team that secured third place at the 2018 World Cup remains determined to deliver the country’s first World Cup title.

Former stalwarts Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Vermaelen, Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens are no longer part of the national team, but the Belgian squad still relies heavily on experienced figures.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and striker Romelu Lukaku continue to form the backbone of a team chasing the biggest prize in international football.

Belgium advanced to the knockout stage after finishing first in Group G with five points, edging the competition on goal difference. The Red Devils opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt before being held to a goalless draw by Iran.

Their tournament finally gathered momentum in the final group match as Belgium produced an emphatic 5-1 victory over New Zealand, a result that secured top spot and provided renewed confidence heading into the knockout rounds.

That attacking display reflected Belgium’s growing threat in front of goal. Across the group stage, they finished as the competition’s most dangerous attacking side, registering 73 shots on target.

Wednesday’s contest also carries personal significance for Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana, whose Senegalese heritage makes the fixture particularly emotional.

“Before the group stage draw, I said: ‘Please don’t put us in Senegal’. Facing Senegal would be something very special for me,” he confided before the start of the competition.

Senegal, meanwhile, endured a difficult opening to its World Cup campaign before recovering in time to reach the knockout phase.

The Lions of Teranga suffered defeats to France (3-1) and Norway (3-2) in their opening two matches, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

However, Pape Thiaw’s side responded in emphatic fashion with a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq, a result that secured progression as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

Despite the convincing scoreline, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw believes there is still room for improvement as his side prepares for one of its biggest tests of the competition.

“Even though we scored five goals, there are still things to improve,” admitted coach Pape Thiaw.

One of the main decisions facing the Senegalese coach is whether experienced captain Kalidou Koulibaly returns to the starting line-up.

The Senegalese defender was rested for the victory over Iraq after making several costly mistakes during the team’s opening two matches.

With Belgium aiming to extend the final chapter of its golden generation and Senegal hoping to continue its revival, the Round of 32 meeting promises to decide which nation keeps its World Cup dream alive.