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.
The Lions of Teranga have qualified for the FIFA World Cup four times (2002, 2018, 2022, and 2026). Their best finish was in 2002 when they reached the quarter-finals. They famously upset reigning champions France in their tournament debut that year, and advanced to the round of 16 in 2022.
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Belgium have 'extraordinary individual players'
“Now we’re getting down to brass tacks. You lose; you go home,” the former Liverpool star told Wiw Sport about Senegal’s chances in the Round of 32.
“Senegal knows these situations, we saw how tough it was in the Africa Cup of Nations. And now, we’re up against a very good Belgian team.
“We know they have some extraordinary individual players. We have to be ready mentally and physically. Belgium has very high-level players, strong individual talents.
“But we also have world-class players. We are African champions; it will be a great football match.”
Diouf added: “We’re playing in Seattle. The travel, the journey, and the jet lag are all part of the challenge, but at this level, the players are used to it and know how to handle it.
“You have to put everything else aside and focus solely on the match: passing, giving it your all, and having no regrets.
“The players are well supported, both physically and mentally, and they’re ready for these kinds of matches, the kind everyone loves to play.”
Senegal have strong technical qualities
Meanwhile, Belgium player Zeno Debast has warned his teammates not to underrate Senegal, insisting they have equally good players.
“I think they have strong physical and technical qualities. They also won the Africa Cup of Nations,” said Debast, who plays for Primeira Liga club Sporting CP.
“So, it will be a great match, knowing that we also have our own strengths, provided we are fit and continue our positive momentum, like in our last match. It will be a very good match.
“We have three days to prepare for it and we know that Senegal is an excellent team. It's a great fixture. We will try to prepare for this match as best we can.”
Ahead of the game, Senegal have confirmed their first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has returned to Saudi Arabia for medical examinations following his knee injury and could miss the Round of 32 fixture.
Mendy picked up the injury during Senegal’s 3-2 defeat against Norway, and later missed the win against Iraq.
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