Belgium stage 3–2 comeback win over Senegal to enter World Cup last 16 | World Cup 2026 News
Belgium Stages Dramatic Comeback to Defeat Senegal 3-2 in World Cup Thriller
Published July 2, 2026
Seattle—Belgium advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal, overcoming a two-goal deficit with a late penalty in the 125th minute of extra time. The match unfolded at Seattle’s CenturyLink Field, where Belgium’s hopes of a championship title revived in stunning fashion.
Senegal took control early in the match, with goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr giving them a 2-0 lead. However, Belgium’s resolve was tested. With only minutes remaining in regulation, they scored twice to level the game and force extra time. Romelu Lukaku initiated the comeback by finding the net in the 87th minute, followed shortly by Youri Tielemans’ equalizer.
The turning point came when Senegal’s Lamine Camara fouled Tielemans, resulting in a penalty after a review by the video assistant referee. Tielemans coolly converted the penalty, placing the ball in the top corner, sealing the remarkable comeback.
Senegal’s early dominance was evident as they created multiple scoring opportunities. The African side hit the woodwork twice, illustrating their near misses. Their first goal arrived in the 25th minute. After a cross from Sadio Mane, Diarra capitalized on a rebound off the post, burying the ball from close range.
Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois was called into action, making a key save against a dangerous shot from Maxim De Cuyper, but they trailed 1-0 at halftime. With Lukaku replacing the ineffective Charles De Ketelaere, Belgium hoped to shift momentum but fell into a deeper hole when Sarr scored in the 51st minute, giving Senegal a 2-0 lead.
The final minutes of regulation saw Belgium capitalize on a sudden surge in intensity, with Lukaku and Tielemans both scoring in quick succession. Their offensive coordination was apparent as Lukaku converted a low cross from Thomas Meunier before Tielemans headed home from a deep ball by Leandro Trossard.
Belgium, now set to face the winner of the matchup between cohosts the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, will look to continue their title bid. Meanwhile, Senegal’s defeat marks the fourth narrow exit by an African team in the last 32, following losses by South Africa, Ivory Coast, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Senegalese squad will reflect on missed opportunities that led to their elimination.