Romelu Lukaku is getting ready in the sidelines and it looks like Belgium may look to use him soon than expected. The Red Devils have really missed a focal point when it comes to their attacks and Lukaku can prove to be the big difference.

Senegal have a chokehold on this match and Belgium are not sure how to deal with these waves of attacks. Mane had another chance to double the lead but his finish was too weak to bother Courtois. However, Senegal will be quite confident with how they have dominated the game till now.

Belgium have been too slow to start in this match and it will be interesting to see how they respond after Senegal's goal. Senegal were quick off the blocks and except for a few attempts by Trossard, Belgium have not done much till now.

Habib Diarra scores and Senegal are 1-0 ahead! What a turn of events and Belgium are shellshocked. The header was saved brilliantly by Courtois but the ball fell to Habib Diarra who calmly tapped it in for the goal. What scenes and what a start to this game!

Belgium have come up with some attacks but they have struggled massively in keeping the ball. Senegal have looked like the more aggressive side and this is not looking good for them.

Another attack from Senegal. A strong shot from Gueye but this time, Courtois was placed well and he completed the save easilty.

Huge relief for Belgium! Courtois did not read the cross properly and was unable to collect it in the end. The ball fell to Sarr who slammed it against the post and the rebound ended up hitting the side netting!

Trossard was in sensational form against New Zealand and he is once again the main man for Belgium. He found a brilliant space in between the defenders but his shot was ultimately saved by the Senegal goalkeeper.

Both teams coming up with early offensive moves but nothing too dangerous. A long-range shot from Ndiaye did not bother Courtois while Trossard missed out on receiving a great cross just in front of goal.

The first half begins and both teams will be looking to grab early advantage. Belgium have depended heavily on their wings to create attacks while Senegal have shown great promise in link-up play. Interesting clash awaits!

Time for the national anthems. The players look ready for the clash and it will be interesting to see which side gains the early momentum.

The two teams are making their way to the middle and we are minutes away from the start of this clash. A star-stunned encounter featuring some big names and we can expect both teams looking to attack from the very first minute.

Both sides will be looking to earn a spot in the Round of 16, where they will be able to return to Seattle Stadium to face either the USA or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Edouard Mendy will miss Senegal's knockout stage match against Belgium due to injury. Coach Pape Thiaw confirmed the Al-Ahli goalkeeper will miss his second consecutive World Cup match because he injured his knee in Senegal’s 3-2 loss to Norway in group play.

Belgium have once again decided to go without Romelu Lukaku in their starting XI. He has been an experienced campaigner for them but they have decided to use him as a substitute in this knockout stage match as well.

Belgium and Senegal have never faced each other in their international football history. The two nations are squaring off in the Round of 32, marking their first-ever official head-to-head meeting.

Diaw; Diatta, Ciss, Niakhate, Jakobs; Gueye, Gana, Diarra; Mane, Sarr, Illiman.

Courtios; Castagne, Mechele, Theate, de Cuyper; Tielemans, Vanaken; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard, De Ketelaere

Welcome to the live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash between Belgium and Senegal. A much-anticipated clash between two teams who are very highly rated but did not have a great run in the group stages.