- Belgium form: Belgium are unbeaten in their last 10 international matches in all competitions, winning 6 and drawing 4.
- Senegal form: Senegal have won 5, drawn 1 and lost 4 of their last 10 games in all competitions.
- Odds: Belgium are 1.98 odds, Senegal 4.55, the draw 3.35.
Belgium control tempo, Senegal exploit chaos
Belgium recent results
Belgium managed to draw 0-0 against Iran in FIFA World Cup Group G 2026 before dismantling New Zealand 5-1, a result that sent a timely message to the football world that this is not the Belgium of old, they can both grind out results and explode at the other end.
Garcia's approach
Rudi Garcia, who took over as national team coach on 24 January 2025, has brought a calm, possession-first identity to the side that is only just being understood by the outside world. They have the ability to smother games, forcing their opponents to chase shadows and then pick locks when the time is right.
Senegal identity under Thiaw
Pape Thiaw, on the other hand, was only appointed as Senegal coach on 3 October 2024, but his team have kept their identity as a front-footed, high-energy team which presses manically and breaks quickly and vertically, turning turnovers into immediate danger.
Senegal's rhythm is inconsistent
Senegal lost 3-2 to Norway in FIFA World Cup Group I 2026 before thrashing Iraq 5-0 in their second, so they arrive with a similar boom-or-bust energy. They've won 5, drawn 1 and lost 4 of their last 10 in all competitions, which is not a great rhythm to arrive in a crucial game against a team like Belgium.
Across all venues and competitions, Senegal have won 1 and lost 3 of their last 4, scoring 1.50 goals per game and conceding 2.25, which isn't a good thing for the Lions of Teranga ahead of this game.
Garcia's side can control the pace
Tactical battle
A team with the ball and one that is willing to press, this should be an interesting chess match of possession versus transition.
If Belgium can deal with Senegal's pressure, which they probably will, their control will tell, but if they don't, the game could open up and become lively, a situation where Senegal thrive.
Betting view
- There are no head-to-head records to go off here, so our main focus will be on which team is in better form and which style of play is more effective.
- Under 2.5 goals at 1.57 and both teams not to score at 1.7 both look look good, but there's not enough value in the both teams not to score bet, so we'll go for a cagey Belgium victory in this match.
