Mendy ruled out, Senegal faces Belgium without star goalkeeper

Édouard Mendy will not take the pitch on Wednesday in the 2026 World Cup round-of-16 between Senegal and Belgium. Head coach Pape Thiaw has officially confirmed the goalkeeper’s absence after sustaining a left knee injury during the match against Norway.

Mendy had already given way to Mory Diaw in the Iraq fixture — a 5-0 victory for the Lions of Teranga — and travelled to Jeddah for further medical examinations. The results have dashed any hopes of him playing against the Red Devils. “We will not have Édouard Mendy. Even though he is not fit to play, he will be at our side. We hope to win so that he can rejoin us for the rest of the competition,” Pape Thiaw said, quoted by Foot Mercato.

It will therefore be Mory Diaw who minds the Senegal goal. The head coach has renewed his confidence in him: “Mory had an excellent match with a clean sheet. We hope he will do the same on Wednesday.” Mendy’s availability for a potential continuation of Senegal’s campaign remains uncertain for now, with no further information released about the exact nature and duration of his injury.

Senegal approaches this round-of-16 in particular circumstances: eliminated in the first round of their two previous World Cups at this stage, they first stumbled against Norway and in their opening match before recovering to dominate Iraq and secure a place as best third-placed team. Facing them is a Belgium side considered disappointing in the group phase, which suggests a more open contest than might appear despite the Red Devils’ status as favourites.