Senegal’s coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, has announced changes to the starting eleven for their crucial World Cup round of sixteen match against Belgium. Pathé Ciss will make his first start of the tournament, unexpectedly playing in central defense despite typically being a midfielder. This decision follows Ciss’s three convincing appearances as a substitute during the group stage. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly will begin the game on the bench, a notable shift in the lineup. Pape Gueye also returns to the starting lineup, joining Idrissa Gana Gueye and Lamine Camara in midfield. These adjustments represent the main alterations from Senegal’s previous match against Iraq as they prepare for this decisive encounter against Belgium, vying for a spot in the quarterfinals.