World Cup: Belgium Complete Stunning Comeback To Knock Senegal Out

Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32, recovering from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and book their place in the last 16.

Senegal looked destined for a famous victory after racing into a commanding two-goal lead, only for the Red Devils to mount a remarkable late fightback before Youri Tielemans’ controversial extra-time winner, awarded after a VAR review, sealed the Europeans’ progress.

The African side made the brighter start and deservedly went ahead before the break when Habib Diarra finished off a well-worked move to give Senegal a 1-0 half-time advantage.

Senegal doubled their lead six minutes into the second half through Ismaïla Sarr, who converted after excellent build-up play involving Moussa Niakhaté, leaving Belgium staring at an early World Cup exit.

Belgium, however, gradually found their rhythm and pulled one back in the 64th minute when Brandon Mechele rose highest to head home from a set-piece, breathing life into their fading hopes.

With Senegal beginning to tire, Belgium piled on the pressure. Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku levelled the contest’s intensity by reducing the deficit in the 86th minute, converting Thomas Meunier’s delivery to make it 2-1.

Barely three minutes later, the comeback was complete. Youri Tielemans fired home from Leandro Trossard’s assist in the 89th minute to stun Senegal and send the tie into extra time.

Both teams battled through a tense additional 30 minutes, with chances proving scarce as fatigue took its toll. Just when a penalty shootout appeared inevitable, Belgium were handed one final opportunity.

Deep into stoppage time of extra time, the referee pointed to the spot following a VAR review, and Tielemans kept his composure to convert the decisive penalty in the 120th minute, completing an extraordinary turnaround and breaking Senegalese hearts.

Senegal’s spirited display deserved greater reward after dominating large spells of the contest, but their inability to hold onto a two-goal advantage proved costly as Belgium’s experience and resilience ultimately prevailed.

The victory sends Belgium into the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the last-32 clash between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Senegal become the latest African nation to bow out of the tournament despite an impressive campaign.