Ladbrokes previews Belgium vs Senegal in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, with bet builder tips
Belgium tipped to win a closely contested affair, with both teams scoring
Ismaila Sarr tipped to have at least two shots on target, while Brandon Mechele picks up a card
Ladbrokes brings you an in-depth match preview for Belgium vs Senegal in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, including odds, predictions, and bet builder tips.
Belgium ended up finishing top of Group G after a testing couple of weeks, with a storming 5-1 win over New Zealand securing their qualification to the knockouts, while Senegal hit Iraq for five to scrape through Group I in third - but despite the latest match odds fancying Belgium to progress, this one really is anyone's game.
Below, we've put together the ultimate Belgium vs Senegal bet builder, with potential starting lineups, our score prediction, and the latest live betting markets - so read on!
Our predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois / Castagne, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper / Tielemans, Vanaken / Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard / De Ketelaere
Senegal
Our predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Diaw / Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf / I. Gueye, P. Gueye / Mbaye, Sarr, Mane / Jackson
Belgium vs Senegal: Bet builder tips
Both teams to score in Belgium vs Senegal
For the first pick of our Belgium vs Senegal bet builder, we're backing both teams to score in this intriguing knockout tie, with two confident attacks going head-to-head for a place in the last 16.
Senegal found the net in every single Group I match, but also conceded in all three, and with two of Belgium's group games also featuring goals for both sides, our experts are backing BTTS in Washington - with another exciting game treating us to plenty of goalmouth action.
Ismaila Sarr to have 2+ shots on target
Ismaila Sarr has arrived at the 2026 World Cup in serious form, with the 28-year-old already having bagged three goals to help his team reach the knockouts, and we're backing him to have at least two shots on target again against Belgium.
As one of his country's main men, Sarr is averaging just under two shots on target per game at this summer's tournament, and with an average of well over four shots per 90, his attacking intent is clear for all to see. The Crystal Palace winger has had at least two shots on target in both of his last two games, scoring three and even grabbing an assist in that time, and as his influence continues to grow - alongside his confidence - he's shaping up to be Senegal's main threat here.
So 2+ shots on target for Ismaila Sarr is our second pick, with the pacey forward causing all sorts of problems for the Belgium backline.
Brandon Mechele to be shown a card
With our experts predicting an exciting, end-to-end affair in Washington, the two sets of defences are likely to have a lot to do - and it's Belgium's Brandon Mechele who we're tipping to overstep the mark, picking up a card.
Plying his trade in Belgium for Club Brugge, the experienced Mechele is a hugely composed central defender, but the intensity and athleticism of Senegal's frontline is likely to ask him a lot of uncomfortable questions. The 33-year-old is averaging almost two fouls conceded per 90 at the World Cup, with the defender having more fouls committed (5) than tackles won (3) in Group G, so he's going to be up against it here - especially facing the likes of Sadio Mane, who wins two fouls a game on average.
So as he's put under repeated pressure, we think Brandon Mechele will get a tackle or two wrong, ultimately being shown a card by referee Said Martinez.
Belgium to beat Senegal in the Round of 32
Rounding off our Belgium vs Senegal match preview and predictions, we're tipping Rudi Garcia's Red Devils to get the better of their stern opponents, as Belgium edge through into the next round with a 2-1 win.
Despite only winning one of their three matches in Group G, Belgium are unbeaten since a Nations League defeat to Ukraine in March 2025, and having scored four or more goals in four of their last eight games, we think their attacking class will be too strong. At the other end, they're also very adept at keeping teams out, with three clean sheets in their last five, so while we do think Senegal have enough to score, they'll have to produce something very special to beat Golden Glove contender Thibaut Courtois more than once - which we think they'll have to do.
So a Belgium win is our fourth and final pick, with the European nation reaching the last 16 for the third time in four tournaments.
You can bet on each of these markets individually, or combine them to create a Belgium vs Senegal Bet Builder. Plus, with Bet Builder+, you can combine your bet not only with other World Cup matches, but also with different sports.
Belgium vs Senegal takes place on Wednesday, 1 July, with kick-off for the Round-of-32 match scheduled for 21:00 BST.
How can I watch Belgium vs Senegal at the World Cup?
The World Cup match, Belgium vs Senegal, will be shown live on ITV and ITVX for UK viewers.
Can you bet on Belgium vs Senegal?
Ladbrokes are offering customers the chance to bet on a number of Belgium vs Senegal markets, including match result, both teams to score, and over/under total goals.
