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Three pitch invaders halt Belgium vs Senegal World Cup round of 32 match in Seattle

Three protesters ran onto the pitch at Seattle Stadium in the 31st minute of Belgium's round of 32 clash with Senegal, forcing a temporary halt to play. Security guards chased and removed the invaders, believed to be social media influencers, before the match resumed.

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Three pitch invaders halt Belgium vs Senegal World Cup round of 32 match in Seattle
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Three pitch invaders forced a temporary suspension of the 2026 World Cup round of 32 match between Belgium and Senegal at Seattle Stadium on Sunday, with security staff pursuing and removing the individuals from the playing surface.

The disturbance occurred in the 31st minute, with the intruders believed to be social media influencers. At one point, as many as five security guards were chasing a single individual, who led them on a chase that produced several slips before eventually being stopped after running off the pitch. A further two people were reportedly apprehended before they could reach the playing area.

Senegal were leading 1-0 at the time of the interruption, courtesy of Habib Diarra’s 24th-minute goal. Play resumed after the invaders were cleared from the field.

The winners of the tie will face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 16 on July 7.

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