Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, recovering from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time, and secure a place in the Round of 16.
The Red Devils looked set for an early exit after a dominant first-half display from the Teranga Lions, but an inspired late fightback, capped by a controversial VAR-awarded penalty deep into extra time, turned the contest on its head.
Youri Tielemans emerged as Belgium’s hero, scoring twice including the decisive spot kick after video review confirmed Lamine Camara had fouled him inside the penalty area. The midfielder calmly converted from 12 yards to complete a remarkable turnaround and send Belgium into the knockout phase.
Belgium will now face the winner of the Round of 32 clash between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Senegal bow out despite looking in complete control for much of the contest.
With the comeback, Belgium became the first nation to comeback from two goals down in a knockout game to win.
Senegal Take Command
Senegal made the brighter start and deservedly broke the deadlock in the 25th minute through Habib Diarra. The midfielder finished confidently to score his second goal of the tournament after Belgium failed to deal with sustained pressure around their penalty area.
The African side continued to dictate proceedings with their pace and aggression causing constant problems for Belgium’s defence. Their dominance was rewarded again a few minutes after the break when Ismaila Sarr doubled the advantage.
The winger calmly found the net for his fourth goal of the ongoing FIFA World Cup, strengthening his case among the tournament’s leading scorers and giving Senegal a commanding 2-0 lead.
Belgium struggled to create clear-cut opportunities during the opening hour and appeared destined for elimination as Senegal controlled possession and limited the Europeans to few meaningful chances.
Lukaku Sparks Red Devils Revival
Belgium’s fortunes changed dramatically after a series of attacking substitutions. Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku ignited the comeback in the 86th minute when he met a cross at the near post and guided his finish beyond goalkeeper Mory Diaw.
The strike was another milestone in Lukaku’s remarkable international career. It marked his 92nd goal for Belgium, extending his record as the country’s all-time leading scorer, while also taking his tally to an astonishing 52 goals in his last 55 international appearances.
Just three minutes later Belgium were level. Leandro Trossard delivered a dangerous cross that Tielemans cleverly redirected beyond the advancing Diaw.
The Senegal goalkeeper misjudged the delivery, allowing the ball to slip past him in what proved to be a costly error as Belgium erased a two-goal deficit in the closing moments of normal time.
With the score locked at 2-2, the match moved into extra time where both teams balanced caution with attacking intent, creating openings while avoiding the mistake that could end their World Cup campaign.
VAR Drama Sends Belgium Through
As the contest edged towards a penalty shootout, Belgium launched one final attack. Diego Moreira drove a low cross into the penalty area where Tielemans attempted to meet it before being brought down by Lamine Camara.
Play initially continued and Dodi Lukebakio crashed the loose ball against the crossbar, but moments later the Video Assistant Referee instructed the Honduran referee to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.
After examining the replay, the referee pointed to the penalty spot, ruling that Camara had illegally impeded Tielemans before Lukebakio’s effort. Tielemans stepped up with composure and drilled his penalty into the net, completing Belgium’s comeback and giving them the lead for the first time in the match.
Senegal threw everyone forward in a desperate search for an equaliser and earned a free kick just outside the Belgian penalty area with virtually the last kick of the game. However, Pape Metar Sarr blazed his effort over the crossbar, bringing an agonising end to Senegal’s World Cup journey.
Belgium’s victory completed a remarkable escape after trailing by two goals with less than five minutes of normal time remaining. The Red Devils finished with three goals from their final three shots on target, while Senegal were left to reflect on a golden opportunity squandered after leading for more than an hour.
For Belgium, the dramatic comeback keeps their World Cup dream alive and sets up a Round of 16 meeting against either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina. For Senegal, it was a painful exit, becoming the latest side to discover how quickly fortunes can change on football’s biggest stage.
