Belgium came from two goals down to pull off one of the biggest escapes of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, beating Senegal 3-2 after extra time to book their place in the Round of 16.
Senegal looked to be cruising after Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Ismaïla Sarr doubled the lead six minutes into the second half. The African side controlled long spells of the contest and defended well for much of normal time.
Belgium, however, refused to go quietly.
Introduced from the bench, Romelu Lukaku changed the game almost immediately. The striker pulled one back in the 86th minute to give Belgium hope, before Youri Tielemans fired home the equaliser three minutes later as Senegal’s defence finally cracked.
With the score locked at 2-2, the tie went into extra time where both sides created chances, but tired legs began to show. Belgium continued to press and were rewarded in the closing seconds after a VAR review led to a penalty. Tielemans kept his composure to send the goalkeeper the wrong way in the 120+5th minute, completing an unforgettable turnaround.
Lukaku’s impact off the bench proved decisive, while Tielemans finished as Belgium’s match-winner with two crucial goals, including the dramatic late penalty.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also came up with important saves to keep Belgium alive during Senegal’s dominant spell.
For Senegal, Diarra and Sarr were outstanding for much of the night, but their early brilliance ultimately counted for little as Belgium produced a remarkable late rally to snatch victory.
Belgium now march into the Round of 16 full of belief, while Senegal are left to reflect on a painful collapse after letting a two-goal advantage slip when qualification seemed within reach.