Koulibaly: Belgium fears us… We are the champions of Africa

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly says he is fit and ready to help the Lions of Teranga when they face Belgium in the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Al-Hilal defender has declared himself available for selection, but says the final decision on whether he starts will be made by coach Pape Thiaw.

Senegal meet Belgium in one of the most important knockout ties of their campaign, with the African champions looking to build on their emphatic 5-0 victory over Iraq in their final group match.

That result helped Senegal reach the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams and restored belief after earlier defeats by France and Norway.

For African audiences, the fixture carries major significance.

Senegal are not only playing for a place in the round of 16, but also for African pride against one of Europe’s established sides.

Koulibaly ready for selection

Koulibaly was on the bench for Senegal’s victory over Iraq, a match in which the Lions of Teranga produced their strongest defensive display of the tournament.

His return to the starting line-up is not guaranteed, but the experienced defender says he is ready to serve the team in whatever way is needed.

Koulibaly said in statements reported by the Senegalese website senenews: “This decision is up to the coach, but the most important thing for me is that I am ready and at the disposal of the group and the national team.”

His availability gives Thiaw an important option before facing a Belgium side with strong attacking quality and experience at major tournaments.

Senegal will need defensive leadership, concentration and physical strength if they are to contain Belgium and continue their World Cup journey.

Captain thanks medical staff and Al-Hilal

Koulibaly has worked through physical problems in recent weeks in order to be present at the World Cup.

The Senegal captain said he had made a major effort to recover in time and thanked both the national team staff and Al-Hilal for helping him return.

He added: “I worked hard to be ready for this tournament. I thank the medical and technical staff for trusting me, and I also thank the Al-Hilal staff who helped me a lot. Today I am here to serve my country, and I am very happy to represent Senegal in the World Cup.”

His words reflect the importance of the moment for Senegal.

The Lions of Teranga have had to fight their way into the knockout rounds, and their captain’s return could provide another emotional lift.

Koulibaly remains one of the most respected African defenders of his generation and his presence, whether from the start or from the bench, could be valuable in a match likely to be decided by small margins.

Senegal carry African champions’ belief

Senegal enter the Belgium match with renewed confidence after their big win over Iraq.

The 5-0 victory showed their attacking strength and helped repair the damage caused by the earlier group-stage defeats.

But Belgium will present a different challenge.

They have tournament experience, technical quality and players capable of punishing defensive mistakes.

Still, Koulibaly believes Senegal have no reason to feel inferior.

He said: “I am ready, and the coach will choose the lineup without any pressure. The players who start the match will give their all to win. I don’t think we need to prove anything to anyone. Everyone saw that we won the Africa Cup of Nations on the field. Today, the competitors are talking about us more, and perhaps the opponent has started to feel some fear of Senegal, but in the end, it is still football, and we will do everything we can to deliver a great match.”

That confidence will resonate across Senegal and the wider continent.

The Lions of Teranga have built their reputation through discipline, power and belief, and Koulibaly’s message is that they are not entering the Belgium match as outsiders who should be grateful to be there.

They are African champions, and they expect to compete.

Belgium clash can define Senegal’s campaign

Senegal’s World Cup campaign has already contained pressure, disappointment and recovery.

They lost to France and Norway, then responded with the kind of performance they needed against Iraq.

Now comes the real test.

A win over Belgium would send Senegal into the round of 16 and confirm their status as one of Africa’s strongest representatives at the expanded World Cup.

For Thiaw, the selection decision around Koulibaly will be important, but the wider challenge is to maintain the balance shown in the Iraq game.

Senegal must defend with authority, attack with purpose and avoid giving Belgium space to control the match.

For Koulibaly, this is another chance to lead his country on the biggest stage.

For Senegal, it is an opportunity to show that the Lions of Teranga remain a serious force in world football.