Belgium produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, recovering from two goals down late in normal time to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and book their place in the quarter-finals.
Youri Tielemans held his nerve to convert a dramatic penalty deep into stoppage time of extra time, completing an astonishing turnaround that keeps Belgium’s World Cup dream alive and sets up a last-eight clash with the United States in Seattle.
Senegal looked destined for a famous victory after taking complete control of the contest.
Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 25th minute, reacting quickest after Ismaila Sarr’s header crashed against the post before tapping home the rebound.
Sarr then doubled the African side’s advantage shortly after the restart, brilliantly controlling a long pass before firing past the Belgian goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Belgium appeared to be heading for elimination, even after manager Xabi Alonso made bold changes by withdrawing Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku in the 56th minute, a decision that initially drew surprise and criticism.
But the substitutes transformed the contest.
Romelu Lukaku ignited the comeback in the 86th minute, steering home Belgium’s first shot on target after sustained pressure finally paid off.
Less than three minutes later, Tielemans rose to head in Leandro Trossard’s inviting cross with Belgium’s second effort on target, completing a remarkable rescue mission and forcing extra time.
Ironically, Lukaku and Tielemans had shared a tense exchange during a second-half hydration break, but both would become Belgium’s heroes as they dragged their side back from the brink.
With penalties looming, the match produced one final twist.
After Dodi Lukebakio struck the crossbar, VAR reviewed an earlier challenge by Lamine Camara on Tielemans inside the penalty area. Following a lengthy seven-minute review and a trip to the pitchside monitor, the referee awarded Belgium a penalty.
Tielemans calmly blasted his spot-kick into the net in the 125th minute the latest goal ever scored in FIFA World Cup history to seal an unforgettable victory.
For Senegal, the defeat was heartbreaking after leading comfortably with just minutes remaining, while Belgium completed one of the greatest escapes of the tournament to continue their quest for World Cup glory.
