Belgium stage a remarkable comeback to knock out Senegal at FIFA World Cup 2026

Belgium scripted one of the greatest escapes of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, recovering from a two-goal deficit in the closing stages to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and secure a place in the Round of 16.

For much of the contest in Seattle, Senegal looked destined to pull off one of the tournament's biggest upsets. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the first half before Ismaïla Sarr doubled the Lions of Teranga's advantage early in the second period, putting the African side firmly in control. Senegal also struck the woodwork twice and created several chances to extend their lead as Belgium struggled to find any rhythm.

Belgium's fortunes changed dramatically in the closing minutes. Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku ignited the comeback with a goal in the 86th minute after being introduced as a second-half substitute. Just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans headed home the equaliser from a Leandro Trossard cross, stunning Senegal and forcing the match into extra time.

Extra time remained evenly contested, with both sides searching for a decisive breakthrough. As the match appeared destined for a penalty shootout, Belgium were awarded a spot-kick deep into stoppage time after a VAR review determined that Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara had fouled Tielemans inside the box. The Aston Villa midfielder calmly converted the penalty in the 125th minute, registering the latest goal ever scored in FIFA World Cup history and completing an extraordinary turnaround.

Tielemans credited Belgium's substitutes for changing the momentum of the game, while head coach Rudi Garcia praised his players' resilience after surviving what had looked like certain elimination. The comeback also echoed Belgium's famous 3-2 victory over Japan in the 2018 World Cup, when they similarly overturned a two-goal deficit in a knockout match.

For Senegal, the defeat was heartbreaking. Coach Pape Thiaw's side had controlled large portions of the match and seemed poised to reach the last 16 before conceding twice in the final minutes of normal time. Thiaw admitted after the match that his team had failed to hold onto a commanding position but praised his players for their effort throughout the tournament.

Belgium's reward is a Round of 16 showdown against co-hosts the United States after the USMNT defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina later on Wednesday. The fixture promises to be one of the standout ties of the knockout stage, with Belgium hoping the momentum from their dramatic escape can carry them deeper into the competition.