Former Senegal international El Hadji Diouf has challenged the Lions of Teranga to be physically ready when they enter the pitch to face Belgium in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 fixture 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.
“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.”
