Speaking after the match, the Real Madrid goalkeeper said Belgium, who mocked the United States over Folarin Balogun situation, felt disrespected by outside commentary questioning whether the team was still capable of competing at the highest level. “The kind of disrespect we received in recent days — that’s no longer the same team,” Courtois said, noting that the group used that criticism as fuel.

Courtois added that Belgium’s performance was a reminder of their quality. “Today we proved that we’re still a good team and that you can never take anything for granted at a World Cup,” he said. Courtois also admitted he found some of the pre‑match talk amusing: “Honestly, when I read those things, I just laughed a little.”

Courtois says Senegal posed a greater challenge than the USA

Courtois also compared the United States to Belgium’s group-stage opponent Senegal, insisting he felt more confident before facing the Americans. “I understand that people wanted to give a lot of publicity to the United States, but honestly, I felt much more certain that we were going to beat the U.S. than I did against Senegal, because Senegal is a better team. And I think today that was also proven.” After the defeat, Mauricio Pochettino took blame over USA’s World Cup elimination.

Belgium backed up those comments on the field, recovering after Malik Tillman’s free‑kick equalizer to score three unanswered goals and secure a convincing Round of 16 victory. After the match, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia revealed postgame conversation with Folarin Balogun, while Charles De Ketelaere scored twice for Belgium, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku also found the net to complete the 4-1 win.

Belgium set up quarterfinal clash with Spain

The victory sent Belgium into the quarterfinals, where they will face Spain on Friday, July 10. Spain reached the last eight after defeating Portugal 1–0 in the Round of 16.

Without goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, Senegal appeared to be in complete control for much of the match after goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr gave the African side a two-goal advantage.

However, Belgium mounted a remarkable late comeback, with Romelu Lukaku scoring in the 86th minute before Youri Tielemans equalized three minutes later to send the knockout contest into extra time.

Just as the match seemed destined for a penalty shootout, the referee Said Martinez awarded Belgium a penalty in the 120th minute after a VAR review confirmed the decision.

Tielemans stepped up to convert from the spot, sealing a dramatic victory for Belgium and eliminating Senegal from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Belgium will now face the winner of the clash between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16.

What is Senegal’s best World Cup performance?

Senegal’s most successful FIFA World Cup campaign came in 2002, when they reached the quarterfinals in their tournament debut in Korea‑Japan. Their historic run featured a famous opening victory over reigning champions Franceand an unbeaten group‑stage finish.

They advanced to the Round of 16, where Henri Camara’s golden goal secured a memorable win over Sweden. Senegal’s journey ultimately ended in the quarterfinals against Turkey, also decided by a golden‑goal defeat.

Since then, Senegal have remained competitive on the world stage, reaching the Round of 16 in 2022 before falling to England, and building toward their 2026 campaign with a strong group-stage showing that included a dominant 5-0 win over Iraq.

The good news for the Red Devils is that they will not have to travel for their next match. The game will also be played in Seattle and is scheduled for July 6 at 8 p.m. ET.

Belgium’s path beyond the Round of 16 becomes even more intriguing. If they reach that stage, they could face Spain, Portugal, Austria, or Croatia in the quarterfinals.

Lukaku leads the way for Belgium

The fact that Senegal’s FIFA ranking is notably lower than Belgium’s did not show on the pitch. The African side imposed its style of play, took control from the start, and had qualification in its hands. Habib Diarra, midway through the first half, latched onto a rebound inside the box and finished one-on-one past Thibaut Courtois.

In the second half, with the Red Devils fully committed to attack, Ismaila Sarr fired past the goalkeeper to seal a 2-0 lead for his team. However, the introduction of Romelu Lukaku after the break gave Belgium a boost: he pulled one back, before Youri Tielemans sealed the equalizer in a dramatic finish.

To add even more drama, in one of the final plays of the match, Tielemans was brought down inside the box. Penalty for Belgium, goal by Youri Tielemans, and qualification for the Europeans, and elimination for Senegal.

Belgium’s potential path to the final

The road is still very long. This second phase of the World Cup is just beginning; however, no one can take away Belgium’s hope of going as far as possible.

If Rudi Garcia’s team reaches the semifinals, it could face the following opponents: Paraguay, France, Canada, or Morocco. The list extends for a potential final: Brazil, Norway, Mexico, Argentina, Cape Verde, Australia, Egypt, Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia, or Ghana.

Curiously, both nations will be wearing their away kits for this match. Belgium presents a primarily turquoise jersey with pink accents and white shorts. Its goalkeeper will be wearing a full yellow kit.

As for Senegal, whose FIFA ranking has been updated for this game, the African side will be wearing a full green kit. The goalkeeper will take the pitch dressed completely in orange.

What color will the referee be wearing?

The refereeing assignments for the Belgium vs. Senegal game are also set. The crew will be wearing red jerseys, which may be a similar tone to Senegal’s goalkeeper kit.

Belgium vs. Senegal scenarios

Whether Belgium wins, draws, or loses against Senegal will define many things in the World Cup. As it is the knockout stage, both nations are desperate to win the game, knowing a defeat means their participation in the tournament is over.

The decision comes after Jackson lost his starting place during the group stage following defeats to France and Norway. Although he featured as a second-half substitute in Senegal’s emphatic 5-0 win over Iraq, his role has remained limited as the coaching staff has adjusted attacking responsibilities.

Senegal enter this knockout match without goalkeeper Edouard Mendy after finishing the group stage with renewed confidence, while Belgium arrive as Group G leader following a dominant campaign, setting the stage for a tightly contested encounter between two in-form sides.

Why is Jackson not starting for Senegal?

Jackson’s absence from the starting XI is mainly due to tactical rotation and competition within Senegal’s attacking unit. With several implications depending on whether Belgium win, draw, or lose against Senegal today, both teams enter a decisive matchup that could reshape the Round of 16 picture.

During the group stage, Senegal’s forward structure evolved significantly, with players such as Iliman Ndiaye and Sadio Mané taking more prominent roles in the final third. Jackson remains part of the squad’s rotation but hasn’t reclaimed a consistent starting position. He isn’t the only big name benched for this game though, as Romelu Lukaku isn’t starting today either.

What does this mean for Senegal against Belgium?

Senegal’s attacking approach will rely on their established frontline as they face one of the tournament’s strongest teams in Belgium, currently ranked No. 10 by FIFA. The team will look to replicate the defensive solidity and efficiency that helped secure qualification from Group G.

Jackson remains an option off the bench, where his pace and movement could play a decisive role in the later stages of the match if Senegal need an attacking boost against Belgium’s organized defense.

Although surprising to many, Garcia has opted for other options at the striker position over Lukaku in the 2026 World Cup before. For instance, Lukaku was used as a substitute and came off the bench during Belgium’s 1-1 draw against Egypt and 5-1 victory over New Zealand in the group stage. Thus, Garcia may believe that tactical decision has paid off for him and the national team.

Lukaku’s lone start in this year’s World Cup so far came against Iran, in a game that ended in a goalless draw. Thus, the numbers don’t lie, and as ironic as it sounds, Belgium do better scoring when one of their best strikers comes off the bench. Belgium’s declining FIFA ranking might disagree with that statement, however.

Lukaku’s appearances in 2026 World Cup

While Lukaku has rarely served as a starter for Garcia and Belgium at the 2026 World Cup, he’s appeared in every game. He might play more or fewer minutes, but he is always subbed in at some point in the game.

Lukaku’s role as a substitute against Senegal raises even more questions considering the striker scored a goal and assisted another less than 10 minutes after coming on during Belgium’s last group-stage outing against the All Whites.

Depending on how the game against Senegal goes for the Red Devils, Lukaku might be thrown into the action earlier. Whether it comes with perfect timing or when it’s already too late for Belgium, that’s a different story. Senegal also benched a renowned striker as Nicolas Jackson isn’t starting today.

Who will play in Lukaku’s place?

While there is no other forward on Belgium’s 2026 World Cup roster who has Lukaku’s build or main characteristics, there is someone who can stand shoulder to shoulder with him. That’s Charles De Ketelaere, who stands at 6’3”.

Thanks to his height, De Ketelaere is a fitting replacement for Lukaku, and he will be in charge of leading Belgium’s attack, with Leandro Trossard and Jeremy Doku joining him on the wings.

However, the Lions of Teranga will have to navigate this win-or-go-home matchup without star goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who has been ruled out after suffering a knee injury during Senegal’s group-stage finale against Iraq. In his absence, veteran shot-stopper Mory Diaw will get the nod in net for the Africans.

Despite losing one of their foundational anchors, and without Nicolas Jackson in the starting XI, Senegal remain a dangerous underdog. After a turbulent group stage, the reigning African giants, coached by Pape Thiaw, are eager to quiet the skeptics and prove exactly why they belong among the world’s elite.

Belgium have had their own rocky road to the knockout round, suffering back-to-back group-stage draws against Iran and Egypt in Group G. However, the Red Devils found their footing just in time, carrying massive momentum into today’s fixture, in which they will not count with Romelu Lukaku from the start, following a dominant 5-1 thrashing of New Zealand in their final group match, that updated Belgium’s FIFA ranking ahead of this crucial game.

Diaw’s potential impact for Senegal

Taking center stage for Senegal is Diaw, a 33-year-old veteran who plays his club football for Le Havre AC in France’s Ligue 1. Born in Poissy, France, the imposing 6-foot-6 shot-stopper developed in the prestigious Paris Saint-Germain youth academy before embarking on a journeyman career across Europe.

With the officiating crew officially locked in, the stage is set for a high-stakes battle as Senegal prepare to test their mettle against a formidable opponent. All eyes will be on goalkeeper Diaw, who anchors the backline and looks to provide a locked-down, clean-sheet performance to prove the Lions of Teranga can compete with the world’s elite, after his appearance against Iraq, which led to update Senegal’s FIFA ranking for this game.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for both squads today. The winner of this blockbuster clash will punch their ticket to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of today’s concurrent matchup between the United States and Bosnia & Herzegovina, and the matchup will be played on July 6 in Seattle Stadium.

He earned caps in the early 2000s and was part of the generation that followed the country’s breakthrough run. Appointed senior manager in December 2024, he led the Lions of Teranga to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His Senegal squad boasts players born in France and abroad, with a roster that mixes young talent with veteran leaders like goalkeeper Mory Diaw.

What defines him is his fast rise in management, where early success with Senegal’s local squad and his tactical identity have turned him into one of the most closely watched coaches in African soccer.

How old is Pape Thiaw?

Pape Thiaw is 45 years old, born on February 5, 1981, in Dakar, Senegal. The Senegal national team head coach has lived a full soccer life that started long before his managerial career.

How tall is Pape Thiaw?

Pape Thiaw is approximately 1.87 meters (6 ft 2 in) tall. During his playing days as a striker, his height gave him a strong aerial presence inside the box, making him a physical forward capable of holding up play and competing against defenders.

That physical profile helped him throughout his career in France, Switzerland, Spain and Russia, where he played for clubs such as Metz, Strasbourg and Alavés. His size and strength were key traits in his attacking style.

Was Pape Thiaw a player?

Pape Thiaw was a soccer player who played as a striker before becoming a coach. He built a long and diverse playing career across Europe, featuring for clubs in France, Switzerland, Spain and Russia. Some of his notable teams included:

• AS Saint-Etienne
• FC Metz
• RC Strasbourg
• Deportivo Alavas
• Lausanne-Sport
• Dynamo Moscow (loan)

He also earned caps for the Senegal national team, scoring goals during the early 2000s and participating in the 2002 World Cup cycle. His international experience later became a key foundation for his coaching philosophy.

When did Pape Thiaw make his debut for Senegal?

Pape Thiaw made his debut for the Senegal national team in 2001. He went on to collect 16 international caps and scored 5 goals for the national team between 2001 and 2003.

During this period, he was part of a generation that helped Senegal establish itself as a rising force in African soccer. His international career also included participation in major tournaments and qualification campaigns.

He made his coaching debut with Senegal’s national setup in 2023, when he first took charge as interim head coach of the Senegal A’ team, before later becoming full head coach in December 2024.

His first major coaching milestone came in January–February 2023, when he led Senegal’s local-based national team and immediately delivered results at international level. That successful interim spell helped establish his credibility.

By December 13, 2024, he was officially appointed head coach of Senegal’s senior national team, marking the full transition from former player to top-level international manager.

Career highlights of Pape Thiaw

• Early rise in France with Saint-Etienne and Istres (1998–2000): Pape Thiaw began his professional journey in France, debuting with AS Saint-Etienne before moving to FC Istres, where he started to get more consistent minutes. These early years were key for his development as a striker adapting to European soccer after arriving from Senegal at a young age.

• Breakout season at Lausanne-Sport (2000–2001): One of his first real breakthrough moments came in Switzerland with Lausanne-Sport, where he scored regularly and established himself as a reliable forward. His performances there opened the door to bigger European leagues and raised his profile as an emerging attacking talent.

• Ligue 1 experience with Strasbourg and Metz (2001–2004): Thiaw competed in France’s top division with RC Strasbourg and FC Metz, where he showed his ability to perform at a higher level. His time at Metz was particularly productive, highlighted by strong goal contributions that helped him secure a move to Spain later in his career.

• Loan spell at Dynamo Moscow (2002): During his Strasbourg period, he was loaned to Dynamo Moscow in Russia, gaining experience in a completely different soccer environment. He managed to score and adapt quickly despite the short spell, adding versatility to his career path.

• Key years at Deportivo Alaves in La Liga (2004–2007): One of the most important stages of his career came in Spain with Deportivo Alaves, where he played in both La Liga and the Segunda División. He contributed goals in competitive matches and became part of a squad fighting between top-flight survival and promotion battles.

• Loan moves and late-career consistency (Lorca, Créteil, Atletico Ciudad): After Alaves, Thiaw continued his career in Spain and France with clubs like Lorca Deportiva, US Creteil, and Atletico Ciudad. Despite moving frequently, he maintained solid scoring numbers, especially in lower divisions where he remained an effective forward.

• Senegal national team (2001–2003): At international level, Thiaw earned 16 caps and scored 5 goals for Senegal. He was part of the national setup during a historic era that included the 2002 FIFA World Cup campaign, where Senegal reached the quarterfinals and shocked the soccer world.

• 2002 World Cup cycle and historic Senegal generation: He belonged to the same golden generation that elevated Senegal on the global stage. Even if he wasn’t always a starter, his presence in the squad during the World Cup cycle places him in one of the most iconic chapters of African soccer history.

• Transition into coaching and rapid rise in Senegal: After retiring in 2015, Thiaw moved into coaching, starting at ASC Niarry Tally before joining Senegal’s national setup. His breakthrough as a coach came when he led Senegal to victory in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), proving his ability to manage at international level.

• CHAN 2022 title as head coach of Senegal A: One of his biggest achievements as a manager came in 2022, when he guided Senegal’s local-based national team to the CHAN title, defeating Algeria in the final. This success cemented his reputation as one of the rising coaches in African soccer.

• Head coach of Senegal national team (2024–present): In 2024, Thiaw was appointed head coach of Senegal’s senior national team. Since then, he has led the squad through major competitions, including World Cup qualification campaigns, marking his evolution from player to top-level international manager.

He offers a strong physical presence in goal and has responded to key match situations, including starting appearances for Senegal when first-choice keeper Edouard Mendy was unavailable.

Before reaching Ligue 1, his career took him across multiple countries, including Portugal, Bulgaria and Switzerland, with spells at clubs such as Lokomotiv Plovdiv. It all led to a 2026 FIFA World Cup appearance.

How old is Mory Diaw?

Mory Diaw is 33 years old (born on June 22, 1993). The Senegalese goalkeeper was born in Poissy, France, and has built his professional career across multiple European leagues before becoming an international option for Senegal.

He developed in the Paris Saint-Germain youth system and gradually worked his way through clubs in Portugal, Bulgaria, Switzerland, and France before reaching top-flight consistency. His late bloom as a goalkeeper has been key.

How tall is Mory Diaw?

Mory Diaw stands at approximately 1.97 m (6 ft 6 in), making him one of the tallest goalkeepers in the Senegal national team setup.

His height is a major advantage in his game, especially in aerial duels, crosses and shot-stopping inside the box. Combined with his long reach, it allows him to dominate the penalty area and act as a strong presence during set pieces.

His physical profile has been consistently highlighted throughout his career, particularly during his time at Clermont and Le Havre, where his reflex saves and commanding presence stood out in Ligue 1 matches.

Which club does Mory Diaw play for?

Mory Diaw plays for Le Havre AC in France. He joined the club after a spell with Clermont Foot and a loan at Rodez, continuing his career in French professional soccer.

At Le Havre, he wears the number 99 shirt and competes in Ligue 1 as a goalkeeper. This diverse career path helped him develop experience across different playing styles and leagues. His journey includes several clubs:

• Paris Saint-Germain (youth and B team)
• Mafra (Portugal)
• Lokomotiv Plovdiv (Bulgaria)
• Lausanne-Sport (Switzerland)
• Clermont Foot (France)
• Rodez (loan)
• Le Havre (current club)

When did Mory Diaw make his debut for Senegal?

Mory Diaw made his debut for the Senegal national team on June 21, 2023, in a friendly match against Brazil that ended in a 4–2 victory for Senegal. That match marked a significant milestone in his career.

Since his debut, he has been included in Senegal’s squads for major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations, and has served as both starter and backup depending on team selection and injuries.

Mory Diaw’s career highlights

• Developed at Paris Saint-Germain academy (2007–2015): Mory Diaw spent eight years in the PSG youth system, one of the most competitive academies in Europe. Although he did not become a first-team regular, he gained foundational training at elite level and played for PSG B, accumulating senior reserve experience before leaving the club in 2015.

• First senior experience in Portugal with CD Mafra (2015–2017): After leaving PSG, Diaw signed for Mafra in Portugal’s second division. This move marked his first consistent senior soccer experience, where he became a professional starter and adapted to European senior competition.

• Breakthrough move to Lokomotiv Plovdiv (2017): In Bulgaria, Diaw gained his first experience in a top-flight league. He joined Lokomotiv Plovdiv after a successful trial period, marking his entry into higher-level European soccer and expanding his international exposure.

• Career growth in Switzerland with Lausanne-Sport (2019–2022): One of the most important stages of his career came in Switzerland, where he played regularly for Lausanne-Sport. Over multiple seasons, he became a key starter and gained visibility for his consistency and shot-stopping ability.

• Ligue 1 breakthrough with Clermont Foot (2022–2025): Diaw returned to France and reached top-flight soccer with Clermont. Here he established himself in Ligue 1, becoming a regular starter and earning recognition for his performances against elite competition.

• Consistent Ligue 1 performances (67+ appearances for Clermont): During his time at Clermont, he made over 60 league appearances, proving reliability as a first-choice goalkeeper and gaining experience against some of France’s strongest attacking teams.

• Loan spell at Rodez (2024–25) to maintain playing time: Diaw joined Rodez in Ligue 2 on loan, where he continued to play regularly, maintaining match fitness and visibility before returning to top-flight soccer.

• Senegal national team debut (2023–present): Diaw made his senior debut for Senegal in 2023, marking a major milestone in his career. Since then, he has been part of the national team setup, competing for a spot in a highly competitive goalkeeper pool.

Belgium are currently ranked No. 10 in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,735.41 points. The European side secured top spot in Group G after a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand, a result that helped erase doubts following a mixed start to the tournament.

Senegal, meanwhile, advanced in emphatic fashion after a historic 5-0 win over Iraq, the largest victory ever recorded by an African nation in this edition of the World Cup. The “Lions of Teranga” overcame a difficult start and now look to continue their resurgence on the global stage.

How do Belgium and Senegal compare in the latest FIFA rankings?

Belgium enter the match ranked 10th in the world, while Senegal are close behind in 18th place with 1,653.43 points. Despite the ranking gap, both teams arrive in similar competitive form after finishing their group-stage campaigns strongly.

Historically, Belgium are unbeaten in five of their last six World Cup games against African teams, while Senegal come in on a four‑match losing streak versus European opposition. Still, Belgium and Senegal have never met in an official senior international match.

What is at stake for Belgium and Senegal?

With the officiating crew led by referee Said Martinez, Belgium and Senegal step into a decisive knockout‑stage clash with a place in the Round of 16 on the line in what is expected to be a tightly contested encounter.

A victory would send either Belgium or Senegal into the next round, with the Red Devils aiming to confirm their status as one of Europe’s top contenders and the Lions seeking to make history with another standout performance on the world stage.

The Red Devils, meanwhile, sit in 10th place in the rankings, rounding out the prestigious top 10. Led by Kevin De Bruyne and with Romelu Lukaku on the bench, the team aims to move beyond potential and establish itself as a genuine contender. The winner of Belgium vs. Senegal will advance to the Round of 16.

The African side’s standout figure is Sadio Mane, who will look to lead his nation as far as possible in the World Cup. Can Senegal pull off an upset without star goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in the lineup today?

FIFA Ranking points for Senegal and Belgium

Senegal reached the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams, finishing behind France and Norway in Group I. Their group-stage results saw them drop three places in the rankings, where they currently hold 1,653.43 points.

Belgium, meanwhile, are also a step lower than they were previously. Despite winning Group G, Rudi Garcia’s side has dropped to 10th place in the rankings with a total of 1,735.41 points. Mexico and Portugal are ahead of Belgium in the FIFA ranking.

What awaits Senegal or Belgium in the Round of 16?

Honduran referee Said Martinez has been appointed to officiate the match between Senegal and Belgium, with one more team set to advance to the Round of 16. On the other side of the bracket, the winner of USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina awaits.

This match, which offers a place in the quarterfinals, will be played at Seattle Stadium. It is scheduled for Monday, July 6.