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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.
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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.
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“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.”
