The World Cup Round of 32 clash between Belgium and Senegal features several players from Italy’s Serie A. Kevin De Bruyne and Charles De Ketelaere will be in action for Belgium, facing Assane Diao for Senegal. Belgium’s lineup sees a change in goal.
The match is scheduled to kick off in Seattle at 21:00 UK time (22:00 CEST).
The winner of this encounter will advance to the last 16, where they will face either the USA or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Belgium’s squad is rich with Serie A talent. Notable players include Napoli’s centre-forward Romelu Lukaku and Milan winger Alexis Saelemaekers, who are listed on the bench. De Bruyne will command the midfield, following a challenging initial season at Napoli. In a surprising tactical move, Atalanta’s De Ketelaere is set to play as a ‘False 9’. Zeno Debast is unavailable due to a muscular issue.
Belgium has had a somewhat inconsistent tournament, securing draws against Egypt and Iran before a decisive 5-1 victory over New Zealand. They are also slated to face Italy in the Nations League in September.
Senegal also experienced a mixed group stage, with losses to France and Norway in closely contested matches, followed by a dominant 5-0 win against Iraq to qualify.
The sole Serie A representative in the Senegal squad is Assane Diao of Como. The 20-year-old is expected to make an impact coming off the bench.
Senegal received significant news just hours before the game as goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was forced to withdraw due to an injury. This means Yevhann Diouf will make his World Cup debut in goal for the African team.
Belgium vs. Senegal Line-ups
Belgium: Courtois; Castagne, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper; Vanaken, Tielemans; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; De Ketelaere
Senegal: Mory Diaw; Diatta, Ciss, Niakhaté, Jakobs; H Diarra, I Gueye, P Gueye; I Ndiaye, Sarr, Mané
