Tielemans double propels Belgium past Senegal 3-2 after extra time in World Cup round of 16
A late brace from Youri Tielemans, his second a debated penalty in injury time of extra time, overturned a two-goal deficit as Belgium beat Senegal 3-2 in the World Cup round of 16.
Senegal’s early dominance
Senegal started strongly in Seattle and took the lead after 25 minutes when Habib Diarra slotted home the rebound from an Ismaïla Sarr header off the post. The African side continued to press, with Sadio Mané forcing a sharp save from Thibaut Courtois before the break. Shortly after halftime, Sarr finally found the net, controlling a pass from Moussa Niakhaté and firing past Courtois to make it 2-0. Belgium looked disjointed, struggling to create clear chances despite spells of possession.
Belgium’s resurgence
Rudi Garcia introduced Romelu Lukaku at halftime, withdrawing an ineffective Charles De Ketelaere, and the change transformed the contest. With Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku also substituted for Dodi Lukebakio, Belgium began to carve openings. Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute, heading in a Thomas Meunier cross. Three minutes later Tielemans equalised with a header from Leandro Trossard’s delivery, catching goalkeeper Mory Diaw out of position to force extra time.
VAR penalty and Tielemans’ composure
Both sides pushed for a winner in the additional 30 minutes, but the decisive moment arrived with seconds remaining. Substitute Diego Moreira crossed from the right, and Tielemans tumbled in the box after a sliding challenge from Lamine Camara. Referee Héctor Said Martínez Sorto initially waved play on, but a VAR review showed contact on the Belgian midfielder’s foot. The Honduran official pointed to the spot, sparking furious Senegalese protests.
The play was reviewed and we considered the contact sufficient to penalize. The VAR did its job.
Tielemans kept his nerve to slot the penalty into the top right corner in the 125th minute (120+5), completing a remarkable individual performance and sending Belgium through.
What comes next
Belgium advances to the quarterfinals, where they will meet the winner of the United States–Bosnia and Herzegovina last‑16 tie. Senegal, finalists at the last Africa Cup of Nations, exit the tournament despite a spirited display.
