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Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after fighting back from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in their Round of 32 clash at Seattle Stadium on Wednesday.
The Red Devils looked headed for elimination after Senegal dominated for much of the contest, but late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans forced extra time before the Belgian captain converted a stoppage-time penalty to seal a remarkable victory.
Belgium will now face the winner of the United States versus Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16, while Senegal’s impressive World Cup campaign came to a heartbreaking end.
Senegal made the brighter start and deservedly went ahead in the 25th minute through Habib Diarra after piling early pressure on the Belgian defence. The Lions of Teranga tightened their grip on the match six minutes into the second half when Ismaila Sarr rifled home to make it 2-0.
Belgium struggled to find rhythm despite the presence of Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku, both of whom were eventually withdrawn as coach Rudi Garcia searched for inspiration.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the closing minutes. Lukaku, introduced from the bench, pulled one back in the 86th minute with a powerful finish before Tielemans struck three minutes later to complete the comeback and send the tie into extra time.
Both sides created chances in the additional 30 minutes, with Belgium coming closest when Dodi Lukébakio crashed an effort against the crossbar. Moments later, the Video Assistant Referee intervened after Lamine Camara was adjudged to have fouled Tielemans inside the penalty area.
After a lengthy review, referee Hector Sorto pointed to the spot, and Tielemans calmly dispatched the decisive penalty deep into added time of extra time to complete Belgium’s stunning turnaround.
Belgium’s victory came despite trailing by two goals with less than five minutes of regulation time remaining, making it one of the biggest escapes of the tournament so far.
Senegal, who had looked in complete control for long spells, were left to rue missed opportunities as their hopes of reaching the Round of 16 slipped away in agonising fashion after one of the most dramatic knockout matches of the World Cup.
