Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 clash on Wednesday.
Senegal looked firmly in control for much of the match, leading 2-0 with just five minutes remaining in normal time. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the first half before Ismaïla Sarr doubled the advantage early in the second half with a brilliant finish after controlling a long ball and beating Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
However, Belgium refused to give up. Romelu Lukaku reignited hopes with a crucial goal in the 86th minute after coming off the bench, before Youri Tielemans struck again to level the match and send it into extra time.
The decisive moment came deep into extra time when Tielemans was fouled in the penalty area in the final seconds of the match. Following a video assistant referee (VAR) review, the referee awarded a penalty despite strong protests from the Senegal players. Tielemans stepped up and calmly converted in the 125th minute ,the latest goal in World Cup history sealing a remarkable turnaround for Belgium.
Speaking after the match, Tielemans described the moment as unforgettable, saying he was proud to have contributed with two decisive goals that secured victory for his team.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw declined to heavily criticize the officiating, stating that interpretations of the penalty decision would always differ, while Belgium coach Rudi Garcia admitted Senegal had played well but praised his team’s resilience.
“It is a cruel loss,” Thiaw said. “We were leading 2-0. However, a football match is not an 85-minute game.”
Belgium’s comeback marked only the second time in the last 11 World Cups that a team has recovered from a two-goal deficit in the knockout stages to win. The victory also continues Belgium’s strong recent World Cup history, having reached the quarter-finals in 2014 and semi-finals in 2018.
Senegal, who entered the tournament as one of Africa’s strongest sides following their Africa Cup of Nations success, exit the competition after a heartbreaking defeat despite a strong overall performance.
Belgium will now face the United States in the Round of 16 in Seattle as the tournament continues across North America.
