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Belgium national football team produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the FIFA World Cup, defeating Senegal national football team 3-2 after extra time in an unforgettable knockout clash in Seattle.
Captain Youri Tielemans emerged as the hero, converting a decisive penalty in the 125th minute to send Belgium into the Round of 16.
Senegal Dominate Early
Senegal looked firmly on course for victory after an outstanding opening performance.
Goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr handed the Lions of Teranga a commanding 2-0 advantage, leaving Belgium facing elimination.
Their disciplined defending and quick counterattacks kept Belgium under constant pressure for much of the match.
Belgium Launch Remarkable Fightback
Just when defeat appeared inevitable, Belgium produced an astonishing late revival.
Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku reignited hope by pulling a goal back in the 86th minute.
Only three minutes later, Tielemans found the equalizer, completing a dramatic turnaround that forced the contest into extra time.
Tielemans Delivers at the Death
With penalties seemingly inevitable, the decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time of extra time.
Tielemans was brought down inside the penalty area, prompting a VAR review that resulted in Belgium being awarded a spot kick.
The Belgian captain calmly stepped forward and fired the penalty into the top corner in the 125th minute, sealing one of the tournament’s most memorable victories.
Belgium March Into the Last 16
The comeback keeps Belgium’s World Cup dream alive and highlights the resilience of a squad that refused to accept defeat.
For Senegal, the result will be a heartbreaking one after holding a two-goal advantage for much of the contest.
Match Highlights
- Tournament: 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Venue: Seattle Stadium
- Result: Belgium 3-2 Senegal (after extra time)
- Senegal scorers: Habib Diarra, Ismaila Sarr
- Belgium scorers: Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans (2)
- Winning goal: Tielemans penalty (125′)
- Belgium advance to the Round of 16
Final Takeaway
Belgium produced an extraordinary comeback from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in one of the greatest matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Led by captain Youri Tielemans, whose 125th-minute penalty completed a stunning turnaround, the Red Devils kept their World Cup hopes alive in unforgettable fashion.
