Belgium overturn two-goal deficit, beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time to reach World Cup last 16
A 120th-minute penalty by Youri Tielemans completed an extraordinary Belgian comeback from two goals down to eliminate Senegal in the World Cup round of 32 in Seattle.
Senegal seizes control
Senegal, the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champion on the pitch, entered the round of 32 after a turbulent group phase: defeats to France (3-1) and Norway (3-2) were offset by a 5-0 demolition of Iraq, allowing them to squeak through as the only best third-placed team with just three points. Belgium, by contrast, had laboured to draws against Iran and Egypt before routing New Zealand 5-1 to top its group. In Seattle’s Lumen Field, Senegal’s high press troubled Belgium from the start. Thibaut Courtois misjudged a clearance, gifting Ismaïla Sarr a shot that cannoned off the post. Minutes later, Sarr’s header again struck the woodwork, and Habib Diarra buried the rebound in the 24th minute. Senegal continued to dictate, with Sadio Mané forcing saves and Sarr doubling the lead with a fierce strike in the 51st minute.
Belgium's late revival
Rudi García’s side looked dispirited and disjointed. Kevin De Bruyne, 35, and Jérémy Doku were substituted early in the second half, and the team struggled to string passes together. Romelu Lukaku, introduced at halftime, finally gave Belgium hope in the 86th minute, heading in a Thomas Meunier cross to make it 1-2. Three minutes later, Leandro Trossard teed up Youri Tielemans for a calm finish, stunning Senegal and sending the match to extra time.
- Habib Diarra (Senegal) opens the scoring (0-1)
- Ismaïla Sarr doubles Senegal’s lead (0-2)
- Romelu Lukaku pulls one back for Belgium (1-2)
- Youri Tielemans equalises (2-2)
- Tielemans converts VAR-awarded penalty in extra time (3-2)
Extra time and VAR drama
Both teams flagged in extra time, with the game drifting toward a penalty shootout. Deep into stoppage time at the end of extra time, Belgium earned a penalty after a VAR review. Tielemans converted in the 120+5 minute, completing the 3-2 victory. Senegal’s players collapsed in disbelief, having dominated long stretches of the contest.
Key performers and records
Ismaïla Sarr finished the tournament with four direct goal involvements (three goals, one assist), equalling Henri Camara’s 2002 record for a Senegalese player at a single World Cup. Leandro Trossard, who assisted the equalizer, had created 13 chances in the group stage, the most by any player in that phase since Miralem Pjanić in 2014. Belgium became the first European side since England 1990 to top its group without winning either of its first two matches, and this was the first ever official meeting between the countries.
Next opponent
Belgium will face the winner of the United States versus Bosnia and Herzegovina match, set to kick off in San Francisco later on 1 July. The round-of-16 fixture promises another test for García’s resilient side.
