Belgians in Senegal eagerly await World Cup clash

Football is more than just a sport in Senegal; it's a unifying force that brings entire neighborhoods together. Belgians living in the West African nation are keenly anticipating the World Cup match between their home country and Senegal, a game that highlights the sport's deep roots in Senegalese culture.

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In the villages here, all the children are playing football. They all hope to be discovered and to play for an important team.

Karolien Pieters, who has lived in Senegal for 17 years, observes the pervasive passion for football among children in the villages, many dreaming of professional careers. "In the villages here, all the children are playing football," she says. "They all hope to be discovered and to play for an important team."

Veerle Van Schoor, a designer and business owner, echoes this sentiment, noting how football unites communities. "Football is much more than a sport here," Van Schoor explains. "It brings whole neighborhoods together, everyone watches a match together. When there's a victory, there's exuberant celebration everywhere, with music and honking on the street."

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Football is much more than a sport here. It brings whole neighborhoods together, everyone watches a match together. When there's a victory, there's exuberant celebration everywhere, with music and honking on the street.

Yves Withofs, who began working in Senegal this year, describes football as "the biggest side issue in the country." He notes the widespread enthusiasm for the World Cup, with many fan zones in Dakar offering public viewing of matches. "Everyone is talking about the World Cup," he says.

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Football is the biggest side issue in the country. Everyone is talking about the World Cup.