Kevin De Bruyne has hit back at the critics and insisted his performances in Belgium’s first three World Cup games have been of a good level.
De Bruyne is one of several Red Devils who have come under fire as Rudi Garcia’s side struggled to uninspiring draws against Egypt and Iran before beating New Zealand to secure their place in the round of 32.
They will have to up their level considerably when they face Senegal in Seattle tomorrow but De Bruyne indicated he felt the criticism was over the top.
He told FIFA.com: “To be honest, I think I played a good game against New Zealand. Overall, I am satisfied with my level in the first three games. We didn’t get the results we had hoped for against Egypt and Iran, that’s true. But if we had finished our chances, we could have won those matches.
“We are qualified and now a new tournament begins. I hope we can continue on our journey. I made my debut with the national team as a 17-year-old and am now 35. Eighteen years is a long time in football. I am proud that I can still experience this tournament and give everything for the national team.”
Facing Senegal is a special fixture for Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana, who retains a special bond with the Lions of Teranga.
The Aston Villa midfielder said: “I have a very, very strong connection with Senegal. I’m a true Galsen [a slang term for Senegalese]. Wolof is my mother tongue; I spoke Wolof before I spoke French. I was born in Dakar, my entire family lives there, except for my mother and my brothers and sisters, who are in Brussels. I go back once a year. It’s where I go to reset and recharge my batteries.”
Senegal qualified as one of the best third-placed finishers but showed their attacking prowess by thrashing Iraq 5-0 last time out.
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World Cup 2026: Belgium v Senegal team news
Garcia has a full-strength squad to choose from but could opt to bolster his midfield by including Onana at the expense of Hans Vanaken.
Senegal will again be without goalkeeper Edouard Mendy while Kalidou Koulibaly may have to settle for a place on the bench. Nicolas Jackson could be recalled to add more physicality to the attack.
Belgium v Senegal World Cup 2026 predicted line-ups
Belgium: Courtois; Castagne, Theate, Mechele, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere
Senegal: Diaw; Jakobs, Seck, Niakhate, Diatta; Camara, Gueye, Diarra; Mane, Jackson, Sarr
Where to watch Belgium v Senegal: TV channel, live online streams
Belgium versus Senegal kicks off tomorrow at 9pm UK time. You can watch it on ITV1 and stream on ITVX.
World Cup 2026: Belgium v Senegal stats
- Belgium are the first team to top their group at the World Cup despite not winning either of their first two matches since the USA in 2010
- They are unbeaten in 16 games across all competitions (W10) and earned their largest victory in a World Cup match with a 5-1 win over New Zealand on matchday three, scoring more goals in that game than across their previous seven at the finals (4)
- Leandro Trossard scored twice against New Zealand and has created 13 chances, which is the most by any player in a World Cup group stage since Miralem Pjanic for Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2014 (also 13)
- All 13 of those chances were fashioned from open play, which is the most by any player overall in a single World Cup group since Enzo Scifo produced 15 for Belgium in 1994
- Romelu Lukaku scored last time out and set up Alexis Saelemaekers’ goal as the striker moved to six goals and eight goal involvements (6 goals, 2 assists) at the World Cup action, giving the 33-year-old the most goals and goal involvements of any Belgium player at the finals since records began
- Against Iraq on matchday three, Senegal recorded their most attempts (28), efforts on target (12), highest expected goals tally (3.01) and most touches in the opposition box (51) in a World Cup match
- There have been 14 goals (8 for, 6 against) in Senegal’s three matches, with only Norway’s games (15) featuring more
- Ismaila Sarr has been directly involved in four goals at this year’s tournament (3 goals, 1 assist), which is the joint-most by a Senegal player at a single edition (Henri Camara totalled four in 2002)
- Idrissa Gueye made 39 line-breaking passes in the group stage – the most of any Senegal player – and ranked top overall for line-breaking passes at his previous international tournament, with 100 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
- Senegal have lost their last two World Cup knockout matches without scoring – 1-0 against Turkiye in the 2002 quarter-finals and 3-0 against England in the last 16 four years ago, previously beating Sweden 2-1 in the last 16 in 2002
World Cup 2026: Belgium v Senegal prediction
African football looks in a very healthy place right now and we fancy Senegal to keep the vibe going.
Prediction: Belgium 1-2 Senegal
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