After enduring two 'bitter' defeats to France and Norway in Group I, Senegal's aspirations of advancing to the knockout stages were precarious. However, a resounding 5-0 victory over Iraq not only salvaged their hopes but also secured their place in the next round, thanks to a superior goal difference against other teams with three points.

Remarkably, they are the sole team to advance after suffering two losses, but head coach Pape Thiaw, a member of the legendary 2002 Senegal squad that last triumphed in a World Cup knockout match, is urging his players to demonstrate the caliber that has earned them the title of 'AFCON champions.'

In his pre-match press conference, Thiaw conveyed and various media representatives: "We hold great respect for Belgium, a nation that has proven its footballing prowess. We are ready, and we are prepared.

"...We recognize that Belgium topped their group, but we fought tenaciously for our qualification. We understood the need to rally and seize it, and now a new tournament begins for us, and we are in dire need of a victory."

The primary absence for Thiaw's squad is goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. He missed the match against Iraq, and his manager confirmed that he will not be available for the upcoming clash on Wednesday. Nevertheless, Mendy will be on the West Coast despite the extensive travel. The Al Ahli keeper returned to Jeddah before making his way back to the States on Tuesday.

Thiaw elaborated: "Mendy has returned to his club for treatment, and he will join us tonight. He should be around tomorrow, and we hope he will be fit for the remainder of the tournament."

Senegal stands among nine African nations that successfully qualified for the knockout stages, marking a historic achievement for the continent, largely due to the expanded tournament allowing the number of qualifying countries to double from five to ten.

While South Africa and the Ivory Coast have already exited, Morocco triumphed over the Netherlands in a penalty shootout. DR Congo, Ghana, Egypt, Algeria, Cape Verde, and Thiaw's Senegal are yet to take the field. A victory for the Lions of Teranga against Belgium would end a 24-year drought for knockout success at the World Cup.