Belgium Complete Stunning Comeback to Beat Senegal 3-2 After Extra Time

Tielemans then converted a 125th-minute penalty to seal Belgium's place in the last 16.

In the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the tournament by defeating Senegal 3-2 after extra time in Seattle. Senegal looked firmly in control after taking a 2-0 lead through Habib Diarra in the 25th minute and Ismaila Sarr in the 51st minute. The African side dominated large parts of the contest, struck the woodwork twice, and appeared set to secure a place in the Round of 16.

Belgium struggled to create meaningful opportunities for most of the match, but their fortunes changed late on. Romelu Lukaku, introduced at halftime, pulled one back with only minutes remaining after finishing Thomas Meunier's low cross. Shortly afterward, Youri Tielemans headed home Leandro Trossard's delivery to level the score and force extra time. The decisive moment arrived in the 125th minute when Senegal's Lamine Camara fouled Tielemans inside the penalty area.

After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, and Tielemans calmly converted by finding the top corner to seal a remarkable 3-2 victory. Belgium's dramatic win kept their World Cup title hopes alive and earned them a place in the Round of 16. Senegal exited the tournament despite delivering one of their strongest performances.