Belgium produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time on Wednesday night, overturning a two-goal deficit to secure a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The thrilling encounter at Lumen Field saw Senegal dominate the opening stages before Belgium mounted an impressive fightback to snatch victory with a dramatic late penalty.
Senegal nearly opened the scoring early in the game when Ismaila Sarr pounced on a rebound inside the penalty area, but his effort drifted narrowly wide of the right post.
The winger threatened again moments later, rising to meet a cross inside the six-yard box, only to see his header crash against the post.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 25th minute when Habib Diarra reacted quickest to a loose ball after a deflected effort and calmly slotted into an empty net to give Senegal a deserved lead.
Senegal doubled their advantage shortly after the restart. Moussa Niakhaté delivered an excellent lofted cross into the area, and Sarr made no mistake, finishing confidently inside the right post to make it 2-0.
With Belgium struggling to create clear-cut chances, Senegal looked on course for a famous victory.
However, the momentum gradually shifted as Belgium began to press higher up the pitch and create more opportunities.
Dodi Lukebakio came close with a powerful strike from the edge of the area that flashed narrowly wide, while Senegal missed a golden opportunity to put the contest beyond doubt when Ibrahim Mbaye fired just wide from inside the box.
Belgium’s persistence finally paid off as Romelu Lukaku pulled one back before Youri Tielemans found the equaliser to send the match into extra time at 2-2.
The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time of extra time when the referee awarded Belgium a penalty following a VAR review that identified a foul inside the penalty area.
Tielemans stepped up in the 120+5th minute and calmly converted from the spot, completing Belgium’s dramatic comeback and sealing a 3-2 victory.
The result sends Belgium into the Round of 16, where they will face the winners of the Round of 32 clash between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
