Belgium come back from 2-0 down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in World Cup thriller
Belgium overturned a two-goal deficit against Senegal in the World Cup round of 32, with Youri Tielemans scoring twice, including a contentious extra-time penalty, to seal a 3-2 victory in Seattle.
Senegal in control for 85 minutes
Senegal dominated early, with Ismaila Sarr hitting the post twice before Habib Diarra fired in the rebound on 25 minutes. After the break, Sarr made it 2-0 with a spectacular volley, and Belgium's attack looked toothless. Coach Rudi Garcia later substituted Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku, seemingly conceding the match.
That is what Belgium's old gentlemen are capable of.
Late double jolts the game
Romelu Lukaku, who came on as a substitute, headed in Thomas Meunier's cross in the 86th minute. Three minutes later, captain Youri Tielemans lashed home the equaliser, sending the match into extra time with Belgium suddenly re-energised.
Penalty controversy decides it
Deep into extra time, Lamine Camara's sliding challenge caught Tielemans in the box. Referee Said Martinez, after a VAR review, pointed to the spot in the 120th minute. Senegal protested, with defender Pathe Cisse going down injured on the penalty spot, delaying the kick for over seven minutes. Tielemans stepped up and drove the ball into the top corner to complete the turnaround.
- 25': Habib Diarra scores for Senegal (1-0)
- 51': Ismaila Sarr doubles Senegal's lead (2-0)
- 86': Romelu Lukaku pulls one back for Belgium (2-1)
- 89': Youri Tielemans equalises (2-2)
- 120+5': Tielemans converts controversial penalty after VAR (3-2)
What it means
Belgium advance to the round of 16, where they will face either hosts USA or Bosnia-Herzegovina on 7 July in Seattle. For Senegal, the defeat echoes the heartbreak of their AFCON final loss to Morocco earlier in 2026, when a disputed penalty also featured. Coach Pape Thiaw's side exit after a performance that promised much but delivered nothing.
