- Belgium are unbeaten in ten matches in all competitions (Won 6, Drawn 4).
- Belgium have conceded one goal in their last four home matches (all competitions).
- Senegal have won one and lost three of their last four away matches (all competitions), scoring 1.50 goals per game and conceding 2.25 goals per game.
Belgium to see off a boom-or-bust Senegalese side
Rudi Garcia's Belgium are the strong favourites at 1.98 for this knockout game, but Senegal offer plenty of bang for the buck at 4.55 and the draw at 3.35 may be a good alternative play for Wednesday's game.
There is no historical data to go on for this one, so it's the styles of play and the current rhythm of both sides that are the main focus. Garcia has developed a possession-based style since arriving at the helm on 24th January 2025, a style which involves selective pressing and plenty of patient circulation to control the tempo and make the game a matchup of who wants the ball more.
That's been an excellent recipe for Belgium, who are unbeaten in their last ten matches in all competitions (Won 6, Drawn 4). They opened their FIFA World Cup account with a 0-0 draw against Iran before blowing past New Zealand in their second group game by five goals to one, so Garcia's side are versatile and can grind it out when needed before hitting the accelerator pedal.
Stalemate on the cards
Senegal are a much more explosive team in comparison and new boss Pape Thiaw, who was appointed on 3rd October 2024, has built a side that play with high energy and a constant pressing approach, while also capable of breaking forward with pace and precision when they win the ball back.
The Lions of Teranga lost 3-2 in their opening game against Norway in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup before turning it on in their 5-0 rout of Iraq, so Senegal will be arriving in Seattle with a boom or bust identity.
Belgium should be able to control this game if they handle the Senegalese press well, but if they don't, then we could be in for a really exciting matchup where Senegal will likely push forward and play on the counter.
Belgium's control should tell
Under 2.5 goals is priced at 1.57 here and both teams not to score at 1.7 looks like a decent bet with Belgium's defensive structure likely to stifle Senegal's chances, but the draw and the Belgium edge look the more likely outcome.
Belgium's last five games in all competitions are three wins and two draws, and they'll come into this match with the momentum to see it through. Senegal have played a much more erratic five games in the same period, winning one, drawing one and losing three, so backing Belgium to win is the play here.
