Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 World Cup, recovering from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and keep their title hopes alive.
Youri Tielemans converted a 125th minute penalty to complete the turnaround after Senegal’s Lamine Camara brought him down as the ball flashed across the face of goal. The spot kick was awarded following a VAR review, with Tielemans firing into the top corner.
Senegal had appeared to be heading comfortably into the last 16 after Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr gave the African side a deserved two goal advantage.
But Belgium struck twice in the closing minutes of normal time through Romelu Lukaku and Tielemans to force extra time and set up a remarkable finale.
Belgium will now face the winner of the last 32 clash between co hosts US and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle on Monday.
The defeat was a painful one for Senegal, who controlled much of the contest and struck the woodwork twice but failed to hold on to their lead.
They became the fourth African side to exit the competition in the last 32 after South Africa, Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Senegal almost opened the scoring early on when Ismail Jakobs’ cross from the left was only parried by Thibaut Courtois, but a stretching Sarr could only direct the rebound onto the post.
Their breakthrough eventually arrived in the 25th minute. Sadio Mane’s cross was headed goalwards by Sarr and after the effort struck the post for a second time, the loose ball fell kindly for Diarra, who side footed home from seven yards.
Belgium threatened before the break when Maxim De Cuyper forced an excellent save from Senegal goalkeeper Mory Diaw with an effort destined for the top corner.
Belgium introduced Lukaku for the ineffective Charles De Ketelaere at half time but soon found themselves 2-0 down.
A superb long pass from Moussa Niakhate was brilliantly controlled on the chest by Sarr, who held off two defenders before smashing the ball into the net.
Belgium struggled to create clear opportunities until the closing stages but suddenly transformed the game by scoring twice in three minutes.
Lukaku pulled one back at the near post from Thomas Meunier’s low cross before Leandro Trossard’s delivery into the area was headed home by Tielemans after Diaw made the costly decision to leave his line.
Trossard and Tielemans had been involved in a heated exchange earlier in the match but were celebrating together moments later after the equaliser.
Tielemans then delivered the decisive moment, winning and converting the penalty deep into extra time to seal an extraordinary Belgian escape.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
