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Tag: FIFA World Cup results

  • Belgium Stuns Senegal 3-2 After Extra-Time Drama to Reach FIFA World Cup Round of 16

    Belgium Stuns Senegal 3-2 After Extra-Time Drama to Reach FIFA World Cup Round of 16

    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.

  • Germany Thrashes Curaçao 7-1 but Caribbean Nation Celebrates Historic First World Cup Goal

    Germany Thrashes Curaçao 7-1 but Caribbean Nation Celebrates Historic First World Cup Goal

    Germany delivered a dominant performance to defeat World Cup debutants Curaçao 7-1 on Sunday, but the match will also be remembered for a historic moment as the Caribbean nation scored its first-ever FIFA World Cup goal.

    Kai Havertz led Germany’s attack with two goals as the four-time world champions overwhelmed Curaçao after a brief scare in the first half. The victory marked an impressive start to Germany’s campaign as the team seeks to rebound from disappointing group-stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

    Germany opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Felix Nmecha finished a one-time strike from Florian Wirtz’s assist to make it 1-0. However, Curaçao responded with a moment that will forever be etched in the nation’s football history.

    Livano Comenencia brought Curaçao level in the 21st minute, firing a left-footed shot through a crowded penalty area to score the country’s first goal at a World Cup. The milestone sparked wild celebrations among players and supporters of the small Caribbean nation, which became the smallest country ever to qualify for the tournament.

    Germany regained control before halftime when Nico Schlotterbeck headed home from Nathaniel Brown’s corner kick in the 38th minute. Havertz then converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time after Felix Nmecha was brought down in the box by Riechedly Bazoer, giving Germany a 3-1 advantage heading into the break.

    The Germans continued their dominance immediately after halftime. Jamal Musiala extended the lead in the 47th minute with a composed finish across the goalkeeper before Nathaniel Brown added a goal of his own in the 68th minute.

    Deniz Undav joined the scoresheet in the 78th minute, and Havertz completed his brace in the 88th minute to cap a comprehensive 7-1 victory.

    Although the scoreline was lopsided, it fell short of the World Cup’s largest winning margin record. The biggest victory in tournament history remains Hungary’s 10-1 triumph over El Salvador in 1982, a nine-goal margin that has been achieved three times.

    The match at Houston Stadium, home of the NFL’s Houston Texans, attracted a crowd of 68,021 spectators. While the majority supported Germany, Curaçao’s fans created a memorable atmosphere as they celebrated their nation’s historic World Cup breakthrough.

    Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who came out of international retirement for the tournament, made his first appearance for Germany in nearly two years. The 40-year-old registered one save during the match.

    The game also featured a unique World Cup coaching milestone. Curaçao manager Dick Advocaat, at 78 years old, became the oldest coach in tournament history, while Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann, 38, is the youngest coach participating in the 2026 competition. The 40-year age difference between the two set a World Cup record.

    Germany will next face Ivory Coast in Toronto, while Curaçao takes on Ecuador in Kansas City as both teams continue their Group E campaigns.