Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 World Cup after fighting back from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in Seattle.
Youri Tielemans completed the turnaround with a stunning 125th-minute penalty, sending Belgium into the last 16 after a match that looked almost lost with only a few minutes of normal time remaining.
Senegal had been in full control for long spells and appeared to be heading for a famous knockout victory. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the first half before Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead early in the second period with a superb finish.
The Lions of Teranga were brave, organised and dangerous in transition. They struck the woodwork twice and made Belgium look slow, flat and short of ideas for most of the contest.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia responded by introducing Romelu Lukaku at half-time, but even that change did not immediately shift the momentum. Senegal’s second goal left Belgium facing elimination and needing something special to stay alive.
That response finally arrived in the closing stages. Lukaku gave Belgium hope when he turned in Thomas Meunier’s low cross at the near post, reducing the deficit and changing the mood inside the stadium.
Moments later, Tielemans rose to meet Leandro Trossard’s delivery and headed Belgium level, completing a stunning late rescue act and forcing the match into extra time.
Senegal still had chances to win it. Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr remained a threat, while Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced into important moments to keep his side alive.
With penalties looking likely, the match took one final twist. Lamine Camara slid in on Tielemans as the ball flashed across the box, and after a VAR review, the referee awarded Belgium a penalty.
Lukaku initially looked ready to take it, but he handed the ball to Tielemans. The Belgium captain accepted the responsibility and fired a powerful penalty into the top corner to complete one of the great World Cup knockout comebacks.
It was a cruel ending for Senegal, who had done enough for most of the match to believe they deserved a place in the next round. Their players were left devastated after losing control of a game they had led until the final minutes of normal time.
For Belgium, the victory was a major escape. They showed character and belief, but their performance also raised questions. For more than 80 minutes, they were second best, struggling to match Senegal’s energy and intensity.
The impact of the bench proved decisive. Lukaku brought presence and finishing quality, while Belgium’s late pressure forced Senegal into mistakes at the worst possible time.
Tielemans finished the night as the hero, scoring twice and leading his side through one of the wildest matches of the tournament.
Belgium now move into the last 16, where they will face the United States. After surviving this scare, they will know improvement is needed, but their World Cup dream remains alive.
Senegal exit with heartbreak, but also with pride. They pushed a European heavyweight to the limit and were only minutes away from another famous African World Cup story.
