Belgium booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after producing a dramatic comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in one of the tournament’s most thrilling knockout matches. The Red Devils looked destined for elimination before staging a remarkable late fightback in Seattle.
Senegal were in complete control for much of the contest. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the first half before Ismaïla Sarr doubled the lead early in the second, putting the African side 2-0 ahead with just minutes remaining in normal time. Belgium struggled to create clear chances and appeared to be heading for an early exit.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the closing stages. Romelu Lukaku sparked the comeback with a goal in the 86th minute before Youri Tielemans struck just three minutes later to level the match at 2-2 and force extra time.
With penalties looming, controversy struck in the dying moments of extra time. Following a VAR review, Belgium were awarded a penalty after a challenge by Lamine Camara inside the box. Tielemans stepped up and calmly converted in the 125th minute, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory and scoring the latest goal in FIFA World Cup history.
The heartbreaking defeat ended Senegal’s impressive World Cup campaign, while Belgium advanced to the Round of 16 after one of the greatest comebacks of the tournament. Senegal players and coach Pape Thiaw expressed disappointment with the late penalty decision but accepted the result, describing football as a cruel game. Belgium will now face the winner of the United States in the next round.
