Belgium Stuns Senegal with Late Comeback to Reach Round of 16

Belgium pulled off an amazing comeback at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday. They came back from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time. This win secured Belgium a spot in the Round of 16.

Youri Tielemans scored a crucial penalty in the 125th minute to give Belgium the victory. This win also marked Belgium’s 17th match without a loss.

Senegal started strong and took the lead thanks to Habib Diarra. This happened after Ismaïla Sarr's header hit the post. The Teranga Lions controlled the game, with Sadio Mané and Sarr creating problems for Belgium’s defense.

Belgium found it hard to get their game going before halftime. Maxim De Cuyper did test Senegal's goalkeeper Mory Diaw with a good shot, but it was saved.

In the second half, Senegal doubled their lead just six minutes in. Sarr sprinted onto a long pass from Moussa Niakhaté and finished coolly past Thibaut Courtois. This was Sarr’s fourth goal of the tournament, matching Roger Milla’s record for most goals by an African player in a single World Cup.

Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia made some key substitutions, which changed the game. Romelu Lukaku started the comeback with a smart finish from Thomas Meunier’s cross. Then, Tielemans equalized with a well-taken shot from Leandro Trossard’s assist, sending the match into extra time.

Both teams had chances during the extra 30 minutes. Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye almost scored, but at the other end, Dodi Lukebakio hit the crossbar with a powerful shot.

The turning point came late in stoppage time. A VAR review showed that Lamine Camara fouled Tielemans in the penalty area. Tielemans kept cool under pressure and sent Diaw the wrong way with his penalty kick. This completed Belgium's stunning comeback and sent them on to the next round.

For Senegal, this loss dashed their hopes of repeating their historic quarter-final run from 2002. It also extended their losing streak against European teams in World Cup matches to five. Belgium will now face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16.