Has Belgium's time passed, and will Senegal be the team to bring them down?

After navigating their way through the group stage, Belgium and Senegal are set to battle for a place in the Round of 16 when they meet at Seattle Stadium in the Round of 32.

Belgium arrive as Group G winners after finishing the opening phase on a high. The Red Devils struggled to find top gear early on, drawing 1-1 with Egypt before being held to a frustrating stalemate by Iran.

However, they saved their best performance for last, producing a dominant 5-0 victory over New Zealand to seal first place. Rudi Garcia's men are hoping to build on their impressive recent form, having gone nine consecutive matches without defeat in all competitions. Belgium's finest World Cup campaign remains their third-place finish in 2018, while their most recent appearance in Qatar ended in an unexpected group-stage exit.

Senegal, meanwhile, recovered brilliantly after looking destined for an early exit. Consecutive defeats to France and Norway left the Lions of Teranga on the brink, but they responded in spectacular fashion by thrashing Iraq 5-0. That victory not only kept their World Cup dream alive but also saw them become the first African nation to score five goals in a single World Cup match.

The African side's greatest World Cup achievement remains their memorable run to the quarter-finals on debut in 2002, while they also reached the knockout rounds in Qatar four years ago before suffering a 3-0 defeat to England. Despite their emphatic win over Iraq, Senegal's overall form has been inconsistent, with just two victories from their last six outings, alongside one draw and three defeats.

Aliou Cisse will be forced into at least one change, as first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has been ruled out with a knee injury sustained against Norway and has returned to his club, Al-Ahli Saudi, for treatment.

Abdoulaye Seck is pushing for a place in the starting lineup after an encouraging display in the final group game, while attacking stars Ismaïla Sarr and Sadio Mane are expected to lead Senegal's charge in Seattle.

Rudi Garcia has received a defensive boost with Nathan Ngoy available again after completing his suspension, although the Belgium boss could stick with the central defensive pairing of Arthur Theate and Brandon Mechele following their convincing display against New Zealand.

The fitness of Zeno Debast remains Belgium's biggest question mark ahead of the knockout stages. The defender has been nursing a leg injury throughout the tournament, and a late decision is expected regarding his availability.

Belgium were also strengthened by the return of Hans Vanaken, who added stability in midfield during the final group match, while Jeremy Doku was back in the starting XI after missing time following the birth of his first child.

Doku and Leandro Trossard are expected to occupy the wide attacking roles once again, with De Ketelaere likely to spearhead the attack. Romelu Lukaku, meanwhile, could be used as an impact substitute after failing to make the desired influence when he started against Iran earlier in the group stage.

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Round of 32

Sunday

South Africa - Canada 1-0 (0-0)

/Eustaquio 90+2/

Monday

Brazil - Japan 2-1 (0-1)

/Casemiro 56, Martinelli 90+5 - Sano 29/

Germany - Paraguay 3-4 on penalties (0-1)

/Havertz 54 - Enciso 42/

Tuesday

Netherlands - Morocco 2-3 on penalties (1-1)

/Gakpo 72 - Diop 90+1/

Ivory Coast - Norway 1-2 (0-1)

/Diallo 74 - Nusa 39, Haaland 86/

France - Sweden 3-0 (1-0)

/Mbappe 45, 74 Barcola 53/

Wednesday

Mexico - Ecuador 2-0 (2-0)

/Quinones 22, Jimenez 31/

19.00: (1.30) England (5.20) Dr Congo (11.0)

23.00: (2.15) Belgium (3.25) Senegal (3.75)

Thursday

03.00: (1.43) USA (4.60) B&H (8.50)

22.00: (1.32) Spain (5.25) Austria (10.0)

Friday

02.00: (1.95) Portugal (3.40) Croatia (4.10)

06.00: (1.95) Switzerland (3.45) Algeria (4.00)

21.00: (3.15) Australia (2.95) Egypt (2.55)

Saturday

01.00: (1.17) Argentina (7.50) Cape Verde (16.0)

04.30: (1.70) Colombia (3.60) Ghana (5.50)

***odds are subject to change***