Belgium ready for surprise World Cup clash with Senegal, says Debast
Red Devils defender says Belgium have quickly shifted focus after a late change in the knockout bracket, with his own injury recovery also on track.
TUBIZE, BELGIUM — Belgium’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 took an unexpected turn on Sunday, as defender Zeno Debast insisted the Red Devils were ready to face Senegal following a late change to the knockout bracket. Speaking at the national team’s training base in Tubize, Debast said Belgium would use the three days before Wednesday’s clash to adapt to a physically imposing opponent and build on the confidence gained from topping Group G.
Belgium recovered from draws against Egypt and Iran by thrashing New Zealand 5-1 to finish top of Group G. The victory initially appeared to set up a clash with South Korea. Still, the final group results instead paired Belgium with Senegal. The Round of 32 marks the start of the knockout phase, where defeat means elimination.
At 22, Zeno Debast is regarded as one of Belgium’s brightest defensive talents. The centre-back plays for Sporting CP in Portugal’s Primeira Liga after establishing himself as a regular with the Belgian national team. Although sidelined with a leg injury since the start of the tournament, he has remained involved in training and continues his rehabilitation as he works toward a return later in Belgium’s World Cup campaign.
His absence has forced Belgium to rely on other defensive options during the group stage, but his progress offers hope of additional depth if the team advances.
Zeno Debast applauds before the UEFA Nations League against Wales at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium on September 22, 2022 at 11:07 PM. Photo: Reuters
Belgium now faces the challenge of abandoning its preparations for South Korea and quickly developing a plan to counter Senegal’s physical style. With no room for error in the knockout stage, the Red Devils must prove their improved form was no one-off against a dangerous African opponent.
The outcome will shape Belgium’s World Cup campaign and influence confidence among fans and stakeholders. A victory would keep the Red Devils’ title hopes alive and strengthen their momentum, while defeat would end their tournament despite having recovered to win Group G.
“I think it will be a good game, knowing that we also have the qualities… if we are in good form and we continue in ÔÇîa positive way like our last game, I think it ÔÇïwill be a very good game," said Zeno Debast.”
For now, Belgium’s unexpected change of opponent remains an unresolved test rather than a setback. The Red Devils have only days to translate their renewed confidence into another commanding performance, while Senegal stands ready to exploit any lapse in preparation.
As the knockout stage begins on Wednesday, Debast’s recovery and Belgium’s ability to adapt under pressure could determine whether their World Cup journey gathers momentum or comes to an abrupt end.