Decisive duel in Seattle
This Wednesday, Belgium and Senegal face off at Seattle Stadium for a ticket to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The winner will face the winner of the duel between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Honduran Said Martínez will referee the match, assisted by his compatriots Walter López and Christian Ramírez. The Mexican Guillermo Pacheco will be in charge of the VAR.
Belgium arrives as the leader of Group G with five points, the same as Egypt, but with a better goal difference after beating New Zealand 5-1 and tying with Egypt and Iran. Led by Frenchman Rudi García, the Belgians advanced from the group stage for the ninth time in 15 World Cup appearances. Figures like Kevin de Bruyne, Leandro Trossard and Romelu Lukaku support the team.
For this match, García recovers Jeremy Doku, a Manchester City striker who overcame a respiratory infection and was absent in previous matches due to the birth of his son.
For its part, Senegal advanced as one of the best third parties, third in Group I behind France and Norway. A 5-0 win over Iraq secured their place. Under the command of Pape Thiaw, the African team stands out for the defensive leadership of Sadio Mané, who has not had his best scoring production but provides collective sacrifice.
The winner of this duel will play on Monday, July 6 in the round of 16, facing the rival that emerges from the match between the United States and Bosnia, which also takes place this Wednesday in Los Angeles.




