World Cup 2026: Senegal are 45 minutes away from the round of 16

Thanks to Habib Diarra, the Teranga Lions lead 1-0 at halftime

Africa 01 July 2026 at 16:53

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World Cup 2026: Senegal are 45 minutes away from the round of 16

World Cup 2026: Senegal just 45 minutes from the Round of 16

01.07.26 AET World Cup

Belgium

Senegal

The first half has ended at Lumen Field in Seattle. Senegal are ahead of Belgium after the opening 45 minutes of this 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 clash.

Habib Diarra pops up in the right place after Ismaïla Sarr's header bounced off the post, and opens the scoring for the Teranga Lions!#BELSEN | (0-1) | #FIFAWC2026 https://t.co/OgjObn20bl
— Senegal National Team (@GaindeYi) 1 July 2026

Senegal have put themselves in a prime position to clinch a spot in the round of 16 against Belgium. In their first-ever meeting, the Teranga Lions came out strong. After several missed chances, Habib Diarra—who also found the net in the 5-0 win over Iraq—broke the deadlock in the 25th minute.

Senegal take the lead
Senegal 1-0 Belgium#Belgium #senegal #WorldCupFIFA #Football2026 pic.twitter.com/3UOg3Ifd2L
— Center~Fruit (@BHUYAN___007) 1 July 2026

The Red Devils, led by Rudi Garcia, tried to mount a comeback but to no avail, leaving the door open for the Senegalese, managed by Baba Thiayaw, who are now just 45 minutes away from booking their ticket to the World Cup round of 16.