Belgium completed one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time, sealing their place in the Round of 16 with a heartbreaking late penalty.
The clash was another highly anticipated chapter in the long-standing rivalry between African and European nations on football’s biggest stage.
After two defeats in the group stage, Senegal entered the knockout match determined to make history, while Belgium, who had advanced with two draws, were still searching for their best form.
It was the Lions of Teranga who dictated proceedings from the outset.
Following an encouraging opening spell, Habib Diarra broke the deadlock in the 25th minute after reacting quickest to a rebound from Ismaila Sarr’s header, which had crashed against the post following an excellent delivery from captain Sadio Mané.
Belgium struggled to create meaningful opportunities before half-time, with only Jérémy Doku seriously testing the Senegalese defence, which remained organised and composed throughout the opening 45 minutes.
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia introduced veteran striker Romelu Lukaku at the start of the second half in search of inspiration.
However, Senegal continued to control the contest.
Just six minutes after the restart, Sarr produced a moment of brilliance to double the African side’s advantage.
Collecting a long pass from Moussa Niakhaté, the former Marseille winger controlled superbly inside the area before beating his marker and firing an unstoppable right-footed strike into the back of the net to make it 2-0.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, Senegal appeared firmly in control as Belgium struggled to find answers.
The match turned dramatically in the closing stages. In the 86th minute, Lukaku reignited Belgian hopes by arriving at the far post to convert Thomas Meunier’s cross and reduce the deficit.
Just three minutes later, Senegal’s lead disappeared completely. A costly mistake by goalkeeper Diaw allowed Tielemans to head into an empty net, stunning the Senegalese players and supporters as Belgium completed an unlikely comeback in the space of three minutes.
The equaliser forced extra time after a contest that had looked beyond Belgium’s reach only moments earlier.
Extra time became a tense and physical battle as fatigue began to take its toll on both teams.
Senegal regained their composure and created several promising chances through Ibrahim Mbaye and substitute N’Diaye, while Belgium continued to threaten through Lukaku and Dodi Lukebakio, whose effort struck the crossbar.
The decisive moment arrived in the dying seconds. As Tielemans burst into the penalty area, Lamine Camara brought him down with a sliding challenge. Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the penalty spot in the 121st minute.
Tielemans remained ice-cool under immense pressure, confidently converting the spot-kick in the 125th minute to complete Belgium’s astonishing comeback and send the Red Devils into the Round of 16.
For much of the contest, Senegal looked the superior side, combining defensive discipline with dangerous attacking transitions to place Belgium on the brink of elimination.
However, Belgium’s experience ultimately proved decisive as the introduction of Lukaku transformed the match before Tielemans delivered the final blow from the penalty spot.
While the Red Devils continue their World Cup journey, Senegal are left to reflect on one of the tournament’s most painful exits after letting a two-goal advantage slip in the closing minutes of normal time. Despite the heartbreaking result, the Lions of Teranga earned widespread praise for a courageous performance that pushed one of Europe’s traditional powerhouses to the absolute limit.
Credit Photo : RBFA
