Football Bet of the Day: Senegal the pick of the bunch

There have been some fascinating matches during the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup and another is on the cards at Lumen Field in Seattle where Group G winners Belgium are facing a tough task against Senegal.

Belgium have had to move on from their ‘Golden Generation’, who helped them rise to the top of the FIFA Rankings and achieve a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup.

They arrived at the 2026 with modest expectations and have had mixed results, drawing against Egypt (1-1) and Iran (0-0) before posting a 5-1 success over New Zealand.

While Belgium benefited from being in a soft section, Senegal have had to cope with a higher calibre of opponent.

The Lions of Teranga got off to a sticky start with losses to France (1-3) and Norway (2-3), but they responded with a thumping 5-0 success over Iraq which was sufficient to see them advance as the eighth-best third-placed team.

Belgium vs Senegal Odds

Senegal began their World Cup challenge with a baptism of fire against tournament favourites France, but they have worked their way through to the knockout rounds and can go a step further by defeating Belgium in the round of 32.

The group stage draw could not have been much kinder for Belgium, who were installed alongside three countries who had never previously advanced beyond the opening round.

But they lacked energy and inspiration in their score draw with Egypt and there was no obvious improvement six days later when they were held to a goalless outcome by Iran.

Rudi Garcia’s side forced their way to the top of the Group G standings with a 5-1 trouncing of New Zealand, but there are serious doubts over how they will fare against better teams.

And a significant step up in class awaits them against Senegal, who did well to come through one of the toughest sections of the tournament.

Senegal have assembled a squad full of attacking talent and they put it to good use with their thumping success over Iraq.

Ismaila Sarr has played a starring role, scoring three goals, and the best may be yet to come from Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson, who have looked lively without getting on the scoresheet.

Head coach Pape Thiaw has lots of attacking talent to choose from, including Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, who came off the bench against Iraq to score his first World Cup goal.

And Thiaw can come up with a winning formula against the Belgians, who have done nothing to excite their supporters.

Belgium had been pinning their hopes on a last hurrah for veteran superstars Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, who are almost certainly competing at a World Cup for the last time.

But the Red Devils have looked a pale shadow of the side which was two steps away from glory in 2018 and their first serious test is likely to result in their elimination from the tournament.

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Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.

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Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.