USA Faces Bosnia as Belgium Meets Senegal in World Cup Knockouts on July 6 Path

Q: With their captain's 'last dance,' can Senegal's Lions upset a talented but inconsistent Belgian team?

Yes — Senegal have a credible chance to upset Belgium, especially if they can turn this into a physical, transition-heavy match and lean on the experience of Kalidou Koulibaly and Sadio Mané in what is being framed as a “last dance” tournament. The case for Senegal starts with form and context. They came through a difficult group that included France and Norway, then blasted Iraq 5-0 to reach the knockout stage with momentum. Coach Pape Thiaw has pushed a younger, quicker squad around veterans Koulibaly and Mané, and defender Moussa Niakhaté is viewed as central to keeping the back line organized. Senegal also recently pushed the United States in a 3-2 friendly, with Mané scoring twice. Belgium have the higher ceiling, but they have not looked fully convincing. They won Group G, yet needed a final 5-1 result against New Zealand after underwhelming draws with Egypt and Iran. That inconsistency matters in a knockout match, where one lapse can decide everything. Belgium still have elite talent and should control stretches of possession, but their group stage suggested vulnerability against disciplined, athletic opponents. This matchup likely comes down to whether Senegal can disrupt Belgium’s rhythm and capitalize on transitions. If Koulibaly marshals the defense and Mané delivers in key moments, the Lions are capable of making this a genuine 50-50 contest rather than a routine Belgian advance. On evidence so far, an upset would be real, not shocking.

3 articles · Updated · KOMO News · Jul 1

Win-or-go-home knockout matches on Wednesday pair Belgium with Senegal in Seattle and the United States with Bosnia-Herzegovina in California, with the two winners set to meet in Seattle on July 6.
Belgium topped Group G but needed a result against New Zealand after draws with Egypt and Iran, while Senegal advanced only after a 5-0 rout of Iraq following losses to France and Norway.
The U.S., ranked No. 15, enters as a heavy favorite over No. 61 Bosnia-Herzegovina, though Bosnia arrives with a 3-1 win over Qatar and veteran striker Edin Dzeko still leading the attack at age 40.
Mauricio Pochettino's side is riding strong form despite a loss to Turkiye with nine starters rested, and its 3-2 June friendly win over Senegal contrasts with a 5-2 March loss to Belgium.
That makes the Seattle bracket especially consequential: a U.S. advance would likely bring either a familiar Senegal side or a tougher Belgian matchup many American supporters hoped to avoid.