FIFA World Cup: Belgium produced one of the greatest comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the Red Devils recovered from two goals down to stun Senegal 3-2 after extra time and seal a dramatic place in the Round of 16.
For almost 85 minutes, the Lions of Teranga looked set to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. But Belgium refused to surrender. Romelu Lukaku sparked the comeback before Youri Tielemans completed an outstanding turnaround with a late equaliser and an ice-cold penalty deep into stoppage time of extra time to break Senegalese hearts in Seattle.
Senegal Dominates as Belgium Struggles
Senegal started with far greater intensity and repeatedly exposed Belgium down the flanks through Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye.
The warning signs came early as Ismaila Sarr struck the post before somehow firing the rebound wide. The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 25th minute when Habib Diarra reacted quickest after another Sarr effort came back off the woodwork, smashing home to give Senegal a deserved lead.
The Lions of Teranga continued to threaten after the restart and doubled their advantage in the 51st minute. Moussa Niakhate’s superb long pass released Sarr behind the Belgium defence, and the forward controlled brilliantly before calmly beating Thibaut Courtois to leave Belgium staring at a shock exit. With time slipping away, the Red Devils looked out of answers.
Tielemans Completes Incredible Turnaround
Just when Senegal thought the contest was won, Belgium found another gear. Substitute Thomas Meunier delivered a dangerous ball into the box and veteran Romelu Lukaku powered home in the 86th minute to give Belgium a lifeline.
Lukaku, whose goal forced the comeback, admitted the victory was built on resilience. “We were trailing, but we showed character. This Senegal side is one of the best teams in the tournament. When we stepped up our pressing and won the second balls, our team spirit shone through. It’s victories like this that bring a squad closer together,” the striker said.
Three minutes later, Leandro Trossard’s inviting cross found Youri Tielemans, whose header restored parity and completed a remarkable late fightback.
Extra time Drama
As penalties loomed, Belgium were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review showed Tielemans had been brought down inside the area. Lukaku, originally set to take the penalty, handed the responsibility to Tielemans, who calmly converted from the spot in the 120+5th minute to complete one of the best comebacks of the tournament.
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia praised his side’s refusal to give up. “In football, anything is always possible as long as you believe in it. We made the necessary adjustments and the team improved. The strength of this squad also lies in the players who come off the bench,” Garcia said.
Senegal were devasted after a cruel ending after producing one of their finest performances of the competition. Pape Thiaw’s side matched Belgium for long spells but were left to bow down in the end as the Red Devils somehow found a way to survive.
Belgium vs Senegal Match Highlights
Belgium vs Senegal Match Result: Belgium 3-2 Senegal (AET)
Goalscorers:
Belgium: Romelu Lukaku (86′), Youri Tielemans (89′, 120+5′ pen)
Senegal: Habib Diarra (25′), Ismaila Sarr (51′)