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Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku has warned his teammates against underrating Senegal while admitting the African side will be a difficult team when they clash in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium on Wednesday.
The Lions of Teranga, under coach Pape Thiaw, secured their qualification to the knockout stage following a 5-0 victory against Iraq to finish third in their Group I behind Norway, and France, who topped the pile.
Senegal have now been drawn to face Belgium, who like Senegal only registered one victory in their group campaign. They defeated New Zealand 5-1 after drawing 0-0 against Iran and 1-1 against Egypt.
Speaking ahead of the game, Lukaku has opined that the fixture against Senegal will be one of the toughest games they have played so far in the tournament considering the Lions of Teranga are technically and physically a good side.
“It’s going to be a complicated match,” Lukaku, who has scored one goal and provided an assist in three World Cup matches, said as quoted by Wiw Sports.
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“Senegal is a top nation with very good players and a very good coach. We respect them enormously.
“I think this match will be one of the most difficult we’ll have to play, because Senegal has mastered many essential aspects of football: they are technically very good and physically very strong, capable of making the difference.
“It will be a real challenge in terms of intensity. It will be 50/50.”
Lukaku further mentioned some of the players he is wary of ahead of the game. He said: “I really appreciate Iliman Ndiaye, who plays for Everton.
