World Cup 2026: Belgium boosted by full fitness ahead of Senegal clash

Belgium head into their World Cup last-32 meeting with Senegal in a strengthened position, with head coach Rudi Garcia expressing confidence over the return of a fully fit squad at a crucial stage of the tournament.

Speaking in Seattle on Tuesday, Garcia said the availability of all his players marks a significant shift from the group stage, where injuries and fitness concerns limited his options.

“Before this game against Senegal, we are lucky to have everyone available and that’s a good thing because it was not the case for the first three games,” he said.

“Everyone was not 100 per cent unfortunately or everyone was not completely fit. But this is over.”

Belgium’s campaign began with back-to-back draws against Egypt and Iran in Group G before they secured top spot with a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand.

Their attacking options, however, have been managed carefully. Star striker Romelu Lukaku, Belgium’s all-time leading scorer, arrived at the tournament short of full match fitness after struggling with a hamstring injury that restricted him to limited minutes at club level with Napoli. Despite that, he has provided an impact off the bench during the competition.

There were also setbacks earlier in the group stage. Jeremy Doku missed the second match due to the birth of his child in London, while Charles De Ketelaere sat out the goalless draw with Iran because of a knee concern.

Garcia offered an encouraging update on the squad’s condition ahead of the knockout rounds.

“Jeremy, Romelu are getting better. Charles, I think that his problem is over as well,” he said.

The Belgium coach acknowledged mixed feelings about the group-stage performance, despite progression as group winners.

“We wanted to end first in the group and this is what we did. I wish we had won more games, all the games, but we’re not going to go back in the past. What matters now is that we progressed out of the group stage.”

Attention now turns to Senegal, where the stakes are considerably higher and mistakes are likely to prove costly.

Midfielder Charles De Ketelaere, speaking ahead of the clash, pointed to recent tournament surprises as a reminder of the unpredictability of knockout football.

“I don’t think it matters who is the favourite,” he said.

“It matters that we have confidence in ourselves and that we are sharp tomorrow to just go win this game, because yesterday showed us that to be favourites or not, it doesn’t matter.

“We need to be alert and sharp to win the game.”