Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, recovering from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and book a place in the Round of 16.
Youri Tielemans scored the decisive penalty deep into extra time to seal the remarkable victory after Belgium looked destined for elimination.
Rudi Garcia’s side trailed 2-0 with just four minutes remaining in normal time before staging a sensational late fightback.
Senegal appeared firmly in control after first-half goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr handed the African side a deserved two-goal advantage.
Belgium finally found a breakthrough in the closing stages when substitute Romelu Lukaku flicked home Thomas Meunier’s cross to reduce the deficit.
Moments later, Leandro Trossard delivered a dangerous cross that evaded goalkeeper Mory Diaw, allowing Tielemans to head home the equaliser in the 89th minute and force extra time.
Earlier in the second half, Tielemans and Trossard were involved in a heated exchange before Lukaku stepped in to calm the situation.
With the match seemingly heading for penalties, Belgium were awarded a dramatic spot-kick in the 125th minute following a VAR review.
Referees ruled that Lamine Camara had fouled Tielemans in the build-up to Dodi Lukebakio’s effort, which had clipped the crossbar.
Tielemans calmly converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to complete Belgium’s incredible turnaround.
The victory sends Belgium into the Round of 16, where they will face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle on July 7.
For Senegal, the defeat brings their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign to an end despite an impressive display for much of the contest.
