Belgium will look to build on their impressive resurgence when they face Senegal in the FIFA World Cup last 32, with Seattle hosting a fascinating contest between two sides who rediscovered their scoring touch at exactly the right time.

The Red Devils appeared to be heading for an early exit after failing to win either of their opening two group matches, but they responded in emphatic fashion by thrashing New Zealand 5-1 to secure top spot in Group G. The result marked Belgium’s biggest-ever victory at a World Cup and completed a remarkable turnaround.

Those five goals were more than Belgium had managed across their previous seven World Cup matches combined, suggesting Domenico Tedesco’s side may be peaking as the knockout rounds begin. Despite their sluggish start to the tournament, Belgium now arrive in Seattle unbeaten in their last 16 matches across all competitions (W10, D6), equalling the second-longest unbeaten run in the nation’s history.

That run includes two matches against African opposition, producing one victory and one draw, providing further confidence ahead of their meeting with Senegal.

The Lions of Teranga endured a similarly difficult start to the competition, losing both of their opening group fixtures before producing a commanding 5-0 victory over a ten-man Iraq on the final matchday. That result was enough to see Senegal qualify as the eighth-best third-placed nation despite finishing with just three points.

Goals have been a defining feature of Senegal’s World Cup campaign. Their three group matches produced 14 goals in total, with only Norway’s fixtures generating more throughout the tournament. However, defensive concerns remain after conceding six goals against European opponents Norway and France during the group stage.

History also favours Belgium. This will be the first competitive meeting between the two nations, but Belgium have lost just one of their six previous World Cup matches against African opposition (W3, D2). Senegal, meanwhile, have suffered defeat in each of their last four World Cup meetings with European nations and have been eliminated without scoring in both of their previous knockout appearances, against Turkey and England.

Belgium’s attacking threat has been particularly impressive, averaging seven shots on target per game during the group stage, while their defence has remained disciplined, conceding just one second-half goal across their last six matches.

Senegal, however, have shown a tendency to finish strongly. Ten of their last 12 international goals have arrived after the interval, while five of their previous six matches have produced over 3.5 goals.

Romelu Lukaku will once again be Belgium’s focal point in attack. Following a goal and an assist against New Zealand, the striker now holds the record for the most World Cup goal involvements by a Belgian player since 1966, with six goals and two assists. He will also be looking to score in successive World Cup matches for only the second time in his career.

For Senegal, midfielder Pape Gueye comes into the knockout stages in outstanding form after contributing two goals and one assist in the victory over Iraq. Another goal involvement would see him equal the all-time Senegalese record for goal contributions at a single World Cup.

Belgium have no injury concerns heading into the contest, while Senegal have been dealt a significant setback with first-choice goalkeeper Édouard Mendy ruled out due to a knee sprain.

With both sides arriving on the back of emphatic five-goal victories and possessing plenty of attacking quality, this has all the ingredients for an open and entertaining encounter. While Belgium’s greater experience in knockout football could prove decisive, backing over 3.5 goals appears to offer excellent value.