Belgium stun Senegal in epic comeback

By Daniel Akinte

Belgium produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, recovering from a two-goal deficit to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in a gripping Round of 32 encounter at Seattle Stadium on Wednesday.

Youri Tielemans emerged as Belgium’s hero, calmly converting a penalty in the 125th minute after a VAR review ruled that Senegal’s Lamine Camara had fouled him inside the box. The late spot-kick sealed an astonishing turnaround and booked Belgium’s place in the Round of 16.

For much of the contest, Senegal looked destined for victory. The African side dominated proceedings, struck the woodwork twice and deservedly established a 2-0 advantage through Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr.

Senegal threatened early when Ismail Jakobs’ cross was pushed away by Thibaut Courtois, only for Sarr’s follow-up effort to crash against the post.

Their persistence paid off in the 25th minute after Sadio Mane’s header rebounded off the upright and fell kindly for Diarra, who swept home from close range.

Belgium struggled to find their rhythm before the break despite Maxim De Cuyper forcing an excellent save from goalkeeper Mory Diaw.

Coach Rudi Garcia introduced Romelu Lukaku at halftime in a bid to revive his side, but Senegal doubled their advantage just six minutes into the second half.

Moussa Niakhate’s pinpoint long pass was brilliantly controlled by Sarr, who shrugged off two defenders before firing emphatically past Courtois.

With time running out, Belgium appeared to be heading for elimination. However, the Europeans mounted a stunning late fightback.

Lukaku sparked the revival in the closing minutes by turning in Thomas Meunier’s low cross at the near post before Tielemans headed home Leandro Trossard’s delivery to level the scores and force extra time.

The dramatic finale came deep into stoppage time of extra time when Camara’s challenge on Tielemans was upgraded to a penalty after a VAR review. Tielemans stepped up and buried the spot-kick into the top corner to complete Belgium’s incredible escape.

The defeat was heartbreaking for Senegal, who had controlled large spells of the match but failed to protect their lead. Their exit also meant that all four African teams that reached the Round of 32—South Africa, Ivory Coast, DR Congo and Senegal—were eliminated.

Belgium now advance to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the tie between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina as they continue their pursuit of World Cup glory.