Diouf challenges Senegal to match Belgium's 'intensity' in upcoming World Cup match

Senegal reached the knockout stage after a convincing 5-0 victory over Iraq in their final Group I match. Pape Thiaw's side finished third behind Norway and group winners France to book their place in the last 32.

Belgium also progressed after a mixed group campaign. They claimed a 5-1 win over New Zealand following a goalless draw with Iran and a 1-1 draw against Egypt.

Diouf believes the knockout stage leaves no room for mistakes and expects a demanding contest against one of Europe's strongest sides.

"Now we're getting down to brass tacks. You lose; you go home," Diouf told Wiw Sport.

"Senegal knows these situations. We saw how tough it was in the Africa Cup of Nations. 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 with strong individual talents.

"But we also have world-class players. We are African champions, and it will be a great football match."

Diouf also insisted Senegal must not allow travel or fatigue to become distractions before the game.

"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," he said.

"You have to put everything else aside and focus solely on the match, give everything and have no regrets. The players are well supported physically and mentally, and they're ready for these kinds of matches."

Belgium defender Zeno Debast echoed Diouf's respect for Senegal, warning his teammates against taking the African side lightly.

"I think they have strong physical and technical qualities. They also won the Africa Cup of Nations," said the Sporting CP defender.

"It will be a great match because we also have our own strengths, provided we are fit and continue our positive momentum from our last match.

"We have three days to prepare, and we know Senegal are an excellent team. It's a great fixture and we will prepare as well as we can."

Senegal's preparations have been complicated by the absence of first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The experienced keeper returned to Saudi Arabia for medical examinations after suffering a knee injury during the 3-2 defeat to Norway. He also missed the win over Iraq and remains a major doubt for the meeting with Belgium.

Senegal are appearing at their fourth FIFA World Cup, having previously qualified in 2002, 2018 and 2022. Their best performance came on their tournament debut in 2002 when they reached the quarter-finals after famously defeating reigning champions France in the opening match.