Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku has warned his teammates to expect a 50/50 clash against Senegal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, praising the African side’s physical strength and technical quality.
He emphasized that the Lions of Teranga are a top nation and represent one of the toughest challenges Belgium will face.
Read Also:World Cup 2026: Kane, Mbappe Will Fight For Golden Boot Award –Leboeuf
Lukaku expressed deep respect for Senegal’s squad, specifically highlighting the threat posed by Iliman Ndiaye, Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, and defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
“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.
“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. I really appreciate Iliman Ndiaye, who plays for Everton.
“Technically, in one-on-one situations, he’s truly one of the best players at the moment. Ismaila Sarr is very good. Sadio is very good. Nicolas Jackson also has many qualities.
Lukaku added: “In midfield, there’s that left-footed player from Villarreal – is it Sarr or Gueye? I can’t quite remember, but he (Pape Gueye) is good too.
Read Also:EXCLUSIVE: What Hydration Breaks Mean For Momentum In The World Cup 2026 Knockout Stages
“And then there’s Idrissa Gueye. In defence, there’s Koulibaly, who remains loyal to himself and his national team. So yes, I really think it will be a difficult match.
“We absolutely mustn’t underestimate them. They’re a really solid team. Let’s see what the match has in store for us, but obviously, we want to qualify. We’ll have to put in another very good performance, and I think we’ll be capable of it.”
–>
Source: Complete Sports
