FIFA World Cup 2026: can the Red Devils see off Senegal in the round of 32?

Our Red Devils have played just three matches at this FIFA World Cup 2026, yet they have already had us biting our nails. Whether against Egypt or against Iran, Rudi Garcia's men laboured. Fortunately, they put things right against New Zealand when their backs were against the wall.

Once the group stage is done, a new tournament begins with the knockout rounds. GoldenVegas Sport walks you through everything at stake in this hugely tricky round of 32 tie against Senegal.

Belgium's World Cup campaign: a golden generation in trouble

Despite that nervy first round, we reckoned the teammates of Lukaku and De Bruyne — who feature on the list of stars playing their final World Cup — had been handed a kind draw. By finishing top of Group G, Belgium were guaranteed to face a third-placed side. There was a 50% chance it would be South Korea, but it is Senegal who now stand in their path.

A tough opponent, as the bookmakers have worked out. When it comes to the Belgium vs Senegal betting tips, our country go in as favourites, yet whether in our betting shops or on our website, the odds on the Belgians sit above 2.00. Will they turn that into a place in the round of 16 against the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina?

World Cup favourites: the odds back Norway ahead of the Belgians

The picture is clear all the same. Going out at this stage would be a bitter disappointment for our country. And in this tournament, a rift has already opened up between Rudi Garcia on one side and the supporters and the media on the other.

"You have to congratulate the players, they stayed calm. I had faith in them, and above all in my key men. I'll tell you straight away: I really did not appreciate them being called has-beens," he said, visibly irritated.

The trouble is that our national side are no longer even seen as outsiders for the trophy. In the world of online sports betting, teams such as Colombia, the United States and Norway are all rated more likely than us to lift the World Cup. The good news is that, if they qualify, our side will play their next two matches in Seattle, their base camp. By cutting down on travel, can Belgium prove the predictions wrong, win their first star and reach the top of the world in New York on 19 July?

A 25% BetXtra is available on every in-play bet on Belgium vs Senegal or on any other World Cup fixture.