Belgium showed one of the most remarkable comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, recovering from a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and secure a place in the last 16.
Youri Tielemans converted a penalty in the 125th minute to complete the turnaround in Seattle after Belgium had looked destined for elimination for much of the contest.
The decisive spot-kick came after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review confirmed a foul on Tielemans inside the penalty area.
The result keeps Belgium’s World Cup campaign alive and sets up a possible meeting with the United States, who were due to face Bosnia and Herzegovina later on Wednesday.
Senegal made an impressive start and appeared in complete control for long periods. After an early warning when Ismaila Sarr struck the post, Habib Diarra reacted quickest to convert the rebound and hand the African side a deserved first-half lead.
Belgium struggled to create clear opportunities before the interval, with goalkeeper Mory Diaw producing an excellent save to deny Maxim De Cuyper from long range.
Seeking greater attacking threat, Belgium introduced Romelu Lukaku at half-time.
However, Senegal doubled their advantage shortly after the restart when Sarr expertly controlled a long pass before finishing confidently beyond Thibaut Courtois.
With Belgium facing an early exit, head coach Rudi Garcia made further changes in search of a response. The gamble eventually paid off as Lukaku reduced the deficit in the 86th minute, turning home a cross from Thomas Meunier to revive Belgian hopes.
Only three minutes later, Belgium were level. Diaw failed to deal with a dangerous delivery into the penalty area, and Tielemans took full advantage, heading into an unguarded net to force extra time.
Belgium continued to press for a winner, with substitute Dodi Lukebakio striking the crossbar as both teams battled through the additional period.
The decisive moment arrived in the closing seconds.
Tielemans was brought down inside the area by Lamine Camara, and after reviewing the incident, referee Said Martinez pointed to the penalty spot. Tielemans calmly converted from 12 yards, sealing the latest winning goal ever recorded in World Cup history and completing a dramatic Belgian recovery.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia praised his players’ resilience after the match.
“In football, anything is always possible as long as you believe in it,” he said.
For Senegal, the defeat marked a heartbreaking end to a campaign that had promised so much. Having built a commanding lead, they were unable to withstand Belgium’s late surge.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw expressed his disappointment but commended his players’ commitment.
“We’re out; it hurts. We must congratulate the team, who gave it their all, but unfortunately we weren’t able to hold on to our two-goal lead,” he said.
The victory extends Belgium’s World Cup journey and offers renewed hope for the experienced core of the squad, including Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois, whose international future had appeared increasingly uncertain before the dramatic turnaround.
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