Senegal starting lineup vs Belgium confirmed as Sadio Mané named for FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match

Senegal will face Belgium for the first time in the FIFA World Cup.

Senegal did not have the best FIFA World Cup group-stage campaign in the 2026 edition. Lions of Teranga were drawn in Group I, alongside France, Norway and Iraq.

In the first game, they faced two-time champions France. They lost the game 3-1, as Kylian Mbappé scored a brace, while Bradley Barcola also added a goal; Ibrahim Mbaye was the African side’s only goalscorer.

In the next game, they locked horns against Norway. They suffered another disappointing defeat in the second game as Marcus Holmgren Pedersen scored one goal and Erling Haaland completed a brace. For Senegal, Ismaila Sarr scored twice (53′, 90+3′).

The Lions of Teranga faced Iraq in a must-win fixture in their last group-stage match. And unfortunately, they gave their best performance against the Asian side. Habib Diarra broke the deadlock in the 4th minute, while Ismaila Sarr scored his third overall goal to make the scoreline 2-0.

Pape Gueye later scored a brace in less than 15 minutes before Iliman Ndiaye made the score 5-0 for the Lions of Teranga. With the 5-0 triumph, they made the cut to the knockout stage as one of the eight best third-placed teams in the FIFA World Cup.

In the round of 32, they are set to face Belgium at the Seattle Stadium in Washington on Wednesday, July 1st.

Also Read: Belgium vs Senegal: Top five players to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash ft. Leandro Trossard & Ismaila Sarr

Senegal lineup for the FIFA World Cup match against Belgium

Senegal XI: Mory Diaw (GK); Ismail Jakobs, Pathé Ciss, Moussa Niakhaté, Krépin Diatta; Idrissa Gueye, Pape Gueye, Habib Diarra; Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye.

Thoughts on the lineup

Mory Diaw will keep the gloves for Senegal in Édouard Mendy’s absence. Mendy is a major doubt due to a knee injury suffered against Norway. Pathé Ciss and Moussa Niakhate will play as the centre-back duo, while Ismail Jakobs and Krépin Diatta will feature on the flanks in the backline.

Veteran and Senegal captain Idrissa Gueye, Pape Gueye, and Habib Diarra will play in the midfield, creating chances and supporting the tactical framework. Sadio Mané will join Ismaïla Sarr on the wings, while Iliman Ndiaye will play in the middle.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.