World Cup 2026 Belgium Stun Senegal 3-2 in Record Comeback
BELGIUM · WORLD CUP
Key Facts
—World Cup 2026 Belgium: Belgium beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time to reach the last 16.
—Comeback: Belgium trailed 2-0 as late as the 85th minute before rallying.
—Record: Tielemans’ 120+5 penalty was the latest goal in World Cup history.
—Scorers: Diarra and Sarr for Senegal; Lukaku and Tielemans (twice) for Belgium.
—Next: Belgium advance to the round of 16.
Two goals down with five minutes left, Belgium produced the comeback of the tournament and won it with the latest goal in World Cup history.
World Cup 2026 Belgium stage a stunning comeback
Belgium came from 2-0 down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in Seattle. It was the biggest comeback of the World Cup so far.
The Red Devils had looked dead and buried with five minutes left. What followed was among the most dramatic finishes of the tournament.
Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans struck late to force extra time. Tielemans then won it from the penalty spot in the 125th minute.
It was a finish few watching could quite believe. Belgium had been staring at elimination only minutes earlier.
For Senegal, it was a heartbreaking way to exit the tournament. They had looked set for the round of 16 for most of the night.
The comeback will be remembered as one of the great World Cup escapes. For long spells, it had seemed impossible.
Senegal in control
Habib Diarra put Senegal ahead in the 25th minute with a composed finish. Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead just after half-time.
At 2-0, Senegal looked comfortable and well organised. Belgium, for long spells, struggled to break them down.
The Lions of Teranga carried a real threat on the counter. Belgium’s frustration grew as the clock ticked down.
With time running out, an upset appeared to be on. Then the game turned on its head.
Senegal had defended their lead with discipline and energy. Only a dramatic finish could deny them.
Lukaku and Tielemans rescue Belgium
Substitute Romelu Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute to spark belief. Youri Tielemans then equalised just three minutes later.
The late double dragged Belgium into extra time against the run of play. Momentum had swung entirely their way.
Suddenly it was Senegal clinging on rather than Belgium chasing. The psychological blow of conceding twice late was immense.
Deep into the second period of extra time, Belgium won a penalty after a video review. Tielemans stepped up to convert it and complete the turnaround.
The award was contentious, arriving in the 125th minute. Tielemans, though, showed no nerves from the spot.
The numbers behind the comeback
According to FIFA’s official match centre, Tielemans’ winner in the 125th minute was the latest goal in World Cup history. Belgium had trailed by two as late as the 85th minute.
By The Rio Times’ reading, few sides recover from such a position. It was the latest into a World Cup game that a team has trailed by two and still avoided defeat.
For a Belgium team under scrutiny, it was a night of enormous relief. Their so-called golden generation lives to fight another round.
Lukaku’s introduction proved the catalyst for the fightback. Tielemans, meanwhile, held his nerve twice in the biggest moments.
What comes next
Belgium advance to the round of 16 with their belief restored. Comebacks like this can define a tournament run.
Their opponent will be set by the bracket. Belgium will hope the drama has galvanised the squad.
Senegal, by contrast, are left to rue a two-goal lead surrendered. It is a cruel end to a promising campaign.
They will wonder how they failed to see the game out. The margins in knockout football are unforgiving.
Why it matters
Belgium have long promised more than they have delivered at World Cups. Surviving in such dramatic fashion keeps their hopes alive.
Whether it is a turning point or a reprieve remains to be seen. For now, they are still standing when they might have fallen.
For Senegal and African football, it is a painful near miss. They can take pride from pushing one of Europe’s best to the very limit.
Africa has still enjoyed a strong tournament overall. Several of the continent’s sides reached the knockout rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in World Cup 2026 Belgium vs Senegal?
Belgium won 3-2 after extra time in Seattle. They came from 2-0 down to advance.
Who scored for Belgium?
Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans scored, with Tielemans adding the winning penalty. Diarra and Sarr had scored for Senegal.
Why was Tielemans’ goal historic?
His penalty in the 125th minute was the latest goal ever scored in a World Cup match. It completed Belgium’s comeback.
How big was the comeback?
Belgium trailed 2-0 as late as the 85th minute. It was the biggest comeback of the World Cup so far.
Have Belgium reached the last 16?
Yes. The dramatic win sent Belgium into the round of 16.
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