By Dwayne Ferreira
Belgium Senegal comeback sends the Red Devils past Senegal 3-2 after extra time, with Youri Tielemans hitting a 125th-minute penalty.
Belgium Senegal comeback became one of the stories of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the Red Devils recovered from 2-0 down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in their round-of-32 clash in Seattle.
For most of the night, Senegal looked ready to produce another African knockout performance. Pape Thiaw’s side played with confidence, energy and courage, while Belgium looked slow, uncertain and short of attacking rhythm.
Belgium Senegal comeback starts late
Senegal took the lead in the 25th minute after Sadio Mané delivered from the left. Ismaïla Sarr’s header struck the post, and Habib Diarra reacted quickest to side-foot the rebound in from close range. The goal rewarded Senegal’s sharper start and pushed Belgium into danger.
Belgium sent on Romelu Lukaku at halftime, but the change did not fix their problems. In the 51st minute, Senegal struck again. Moussa Niakhaté played a superb long pass forward, Sarr controlled it on his chest, held off two defenders and thundered the ball into the net.
At 2-0, Belgium’s tournament looked over. Senegal had control, confidence and chances to finish the contest. They also hit the woodwork twice, leaving Belgium clinging to survival.
However, the final minutes of normal time transformed the match. Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute, turning in Thomas Meunier’s low cross at the near post. Suddenly, Belgium had belief, while Senegal began to lose their defensive calm.
Belgium completed the rescue act minutes later. Leandro Trossard delivered from deep, and Youri Tielemans arrived to head in the equaliser. The goal forced extra time and left Senegal stunned after they had moved so close to the last 16.
Tielemans penalty decides it
Extra time became a test of nerve and fatigue. Senegal tried to regain their shape, but Belgium carried the momentum. The decisive moment came after a VAR review, when Lamine Camara was judged to have fouled Tielemans as the ball crossed goal.
Tielemans stepped forward in the 125th minute and smashed the penalty into the top corner. Lukaku had looked ready to take it, but handed responsibility to the Belgian captain. Tielemans did not blink.
For Senegal, the defeat was brutal. They had controlled long periods, scored twice and pushed Belgium to the edge. But they could not close the game out.
Belgium now move into the round of 16, where they will face the United States in Seattle on July 6. It was far from perfect, but the Belgium Senegal comeback may give the Red Devils the emotional spark they needed.
Match Summary
Belgium 3
Romelu Lukaku 86’
Youri Tielemans 90’
Youri Tielemans 125’ penalty
Senegal 2
Habib Diarra 25’
Ismaïla Sarr 51’
Result: Belgium won 3-2 after extra time
Player of the Match: Youri Tielemans
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 32
Venue: Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington
Next Fixture: United States vs Belgium, Round of 16, July 6
