Belgium and Senegal will face each other in the World Cup.

Belgium and Senegal face each other in the 2026 World Cup last 16 in Seattle on Wednesday night, with kick-off set for 23:30 Tehran time.

The match is likely to turn on which side imposes its rhythm. Belgium will try to slow the game down and keep the ball, giving De Bruyne room to create and Lukaku chances in the box.

Senegal, by contrast, will look to turn it into a more physical contest built on quick transitions. That would put Belgium at risk of losing the ball in midfield and leaving space behind the defence for Senegal's pace on the break.

Several individual duels stand out. Senegal's midfield will try to limit De Bruyne's influence, while Lukaku's battle with Kalidou Koulibaly could be central to how much Belgium threaten in open play.

At the other end, Thibaut Courtois and Edouard Mendy may both be important if the game stays tight. Sadio Mané leads Senegal's attack, with Idrissa Gueye and Ismaïla Sarr also offering different options in the final third.

Belgium are given the slight edge because of their bigger-game experience and established stars, but Senegal's power and speed could still change the picture if they strike first.