Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and secure a place in the Round of 16.
The thrilling Round of 32 clash saw Belgium fight back from 2-0 down before a late extra-time penalty from Youri Tielemans sealed a memorable victory and kept the Red Devils’ World Cup hopes alive.
Senegal looked firmly in control for much of the match after taking an early lead through Habib Diarra in the 25th minute. The African side doubled its advantage shortly after halftime when Ismaïla Sarr scored a spectacular goal in the 51st minute, controlling a long pass from Moussa Niakhaté with his chest before firing past Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
With elimination looming, Belgium mounted a late resurgence. Substitute Romelu Lukaku sparked the comeback with a goal in the 86th minute, reducing the deficit and reigniting Belgian hopes.
Just three minutes later, Tielemans found the equalizer, completing a remarkable turnaround and forcing the match into extra time.
As both teams battled for a winner, the decisive moment arrived in stoppage time of extra time. Tielemans was brought down inside the penalty area by Lamine Camara, prompting a lengthy VAR review. After examining the footage, the referee awarded a penalty, and Tielemans calmly converted from the spot to complete Belgium’s dramatic comeback and secure a 3-2 victory.
The result sends Belgium into the Round of 16 for the third time in four FIFA World Cup appearances. The European side reached the quarterfinals in 2014 and the semifinals in 2018 before suffering a disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Belgium will now face the winner of the match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the next round, with the encounter scheduled to take place in Santa Clara, California.
For Senegal, the defeat marks a heartbreaking end to an impressive World Cup campaign. The Lions of Teranga advanced to the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams after navigating a challenging group that included France and Erling Haaland-led Norway.
Senegal also had to cope without first-choice goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, who missed the match due to a knee injury.
Belgium’s comeback was made even more surprising after managerial decisions saw key stars Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku substituted in the 56th minute. Despite the changes, the Red Devils found a way to rally and deliver one of the tournament’s most unforgettable knockout victories.
