Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in a pulsating Round of 32 clash and secure a place in the last 16.
The Red Devils looked destined for an early exit after Senegal stormed into a deserved 2-0 lead, but a late revival capped by Youri Tielemans’ controversial extra-time penalty completed an extraordinary turnaround.
Senegal dominated much of the contest and took the lead before the break through Habib Diarra, who finished off a well-worked attacking move to hand the African side a deserved 1-0 advantage.
Aliou Cissé’s men tightened their grip on the match six minutes after the restart when Ismaïla Sarr doubled the lead following excellent build-up play involving Moussa Niakhaté, leaving Belgium on the brink of elimination.
Belgium finally found a way back in the 64th minute as defender Brandon Mechele powered home a header from a set-piece to reduce the deficit and spark hopes of a comeback.
With Senegal beginning to fade physically, Belgium increased the pressure. Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku, introduced at half-time, breathed life into his side’s challenge by flicking home Thomas Meunier’s cross in the 86th minute to make it 2-1.
Just three minutes later, the comeback was complete. Captain Youri Tielemans rose to head home after goalkeeper Mory Diaw failed to deal with Leandro Trossard’s delivery, levelling the score at 2-2 and forcing extra time.
The equaliser came despite visible frustration between Lukaku and Tielemans earlier in the second half, with the pair involved in a heated exchange before the cooling break, prompting Lukaku to step in and calm the situation.
Extra time produced few clear-cut chances as fatigue set in for both teams, and the contest appeared destined for a penalty shootout.
However, deep into stoppage time, Belgium were awarded a penalty after a lengthy seven-minute VAR review determined that Lamine Camara had fouled Tielemans inside the area moments before Dodi Lukebakio’s effort struck the crossbar.
Tielemans kept his composure from the spot, firing into the top corner in the 125th minute to complete Belgium’s remarkable recovery and send Rudi Garcia’s side into the Round of 16.
The victory means Belgium will face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place in the quarter-finals.
For Senegal, it was a heartbreaking end to an impressive campaign. The Lions of Teranga controlled large spells of the match and looked set for a famous victory before Belgium’s experience, resilience and late clinical finishing turned the contest on its head.
