Belgium faces Senegal in round of 16 after Trossard shines in group stage

Belgium is through to the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and they got there in convincing fashion. A 5-1 demolition of New Zealand in the group stage sealed top spot in Group G and set up what promises to be a compelling knockout fixture against Senegal.

The two sides meet on July 1, 2026, at Lumen Field in Seattle, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM GMT.

How Belgium got here

Leandro Trossard was central to that performance, scoring twice and cementing his place as one of the tournament’s more dangerous attacking presences. The Arsenal forward has been a consistent creator throughout the group stage, leading the tournament in chance creation according to early reports from the competition.

What Senegal brings to the table

The venue itself adds another layer of context. Lumen Field, home to the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders, seats over 68,000 and has been one of the louder environments of the 2026 tournament.

What this match means going forward

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches spread across a record number of venues. The expanded format, which now includes 48 teams and a round of 32, means more matches and more potential upsets before the competition reaches its latter stages.

Senegal, for their part, will be motivated by the chance to reach the round of 16 for only the second time in their World Cup history.

Trossard’s chance creation numbers make him the player to watch in this fixture.

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