Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in their Round of 32 clash at Seattle Stadium on Wednesday.
Trailing 2-0 with just four minutes remaining in normal time, the Red Devils mounted an extraordinary fightback through Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans before the midfielder held his nerve from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time of extra time to send Belgium into the Round of 16.
Senegal made the brighter start and deservedly took the lead in the 24th minute. Sadio Mané burst down the left and whipped in a dangerous cross that saw Ismaïla Sarr’s glancing header come back off the post. Habib Diarra reacted quickest to bundle home the rebound from close range.
The Lions of Teranga doubled their advantage six minutes after the restart. Sarr finished off a flowing move from close range to put Senegal firmly in control and leave Belgium facing an early exit.
Belgium’s fortunes changed with Rudi Garcia’s halftime introduction of Lukaku for Charles De Ketelaere. The striker gave Belgium a focal point in attack and sparked their revival late in the contest.
Lukaku reduced the deficit in the 86th minute after capitalising on a loose ball inside the area, before Tielemans produced a superb finish three minutes later to level the scores at 2-2 and force extra time.
With penalties appearing inevitable, the decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time of extra time. Following a lengthy VAR review, the referee awarded Belgium a penalty for a foul inside Senegal’s box. Tielemans stepped up in the 120+5th minute and calmly converted from the spot to complete a remarkable turnaround.
(This is a developing story)
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