SEATTLE — Belgium enters the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 as the favorite.
Senegal enters believing another upset is waiting to happen.
The knockout stage has already produced plenty of surprises, proving that FIFA rankings and betting odds only tell part of the story. Belgium won its group to earn a return trip to Seattle, while Senegal surged into the field after a dominant victory in its final group-stage match.
Here’s everything you need to know before kickoff.
Match Info
Match
Belgium vs. Senegal
Date
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Kickoff
4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT)
Venue
Lumen Field (FIFA “Seattle Stadium”)
Location
Seattle, Washington
Capacity
68,740
TV
FS1
Streaming
FOX One, FOX Sports App, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling TV
Radio
SiriusXM FC and FIFA World Cup Radio affiliates
Weather
Mostly sunny with temperatures around 70 degrees and light winds—near-perfect football weather.
Official FIFA Rankings
Belgium advanced after winning Group G, finishing the group stage unbeaten and closing with an emphatic victory over New Zealand. Senegal recovered from a difficult start to finish third in Group I, then booked its place in the knockout stage with a convincing 5-0 win over Iraq.
Betting Odds
Market
Odds
Belgium
-145
Draw
+260
Senegal
+390
To Advance
Belgium remains the betting favorite, though oddsmakers expect a significantly tighter contest than several other Round of 32 matchups.
Ticket Prices
Demand has remained strong for one of the tournament’s most intriguing knockout matches.
Verified resale tickets generally begin around $900, while lower-bowl seats range well above $1,200, with premium hospitality options also available.
Players to WatchBelgiumSenegalThree Keys to the MatchCan Belgium unlock Senegal’s defense?
Belgium has plenty of creativity through Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku, but Senegal has defended exceptionally well throughout the tournament and won’t leave much space in behind.
Can Senegal capitalize in transition?
The Lions of Teranga are at their best when forcing turnovers and attacking quickly. Belgium cannot afford careless giveaways in midfield.
Which team handles the pressure?
Neither side has much margin for error. One defensive mistake—or one brilliant individual moment—could decide the afternoon.
Prediction
Senegal 2, Belgium 1 (after extra time)
Belgium deserves to be favored based on talent and experience.
Still, Senegal feels like one of the tournament’s most dangerous dark horses. Its back line has been organized, its midfield has matched up physically with everyone it has faced and its pace on the wings creates problems for any defense.
Expect Belgium to control possession early and find the opening goal.
Senegal responds after halftime, gradually growing into the match before forcing extra time. With momentum firmly on its side, the African side completes the comeback with a dramatic winner, delivering another memorable upset in a World Cup that has already been full of them.
If that happens, it won’t be a miracle.
It will simply be the latest reminder that knockout football rarely follows the script.