Photo of Chumasande Matiwane

Belgium stuns Senegal with late comeback to reach Round of 16

4 months By Chumasande Matiwane

Senegal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup dream came to a heartbreaking end after they squandered a commanding two-goal lead, allowing Belgium to complete a stunning 3-2 extra-time comeback and book their place in the Round of 16. 

For much of the match, Senegal looked in complete control. When Habib Diarra opened the scoring before Ismaila Sarr doubled the advantage early in the second half, the team was firmly on course for a famous knockout victory.  

Also see: All the World Cup records Lionel Messi has broken

The African side created numerous chances, struck the woodwork twice, and appeared destined for the next round. 

Although Senegal started brightly and was achingly close to winning, Belgium started showing more intent and intensity through the remainder of the first half. 

Belgium pushed back against Senegal

Football can be brutally unforgiving, because with just a few minutes remaining in normal time, Belgium launched an extraordinary fightback. Substitute Romelu Lukaku pulled one back before captain Youri Tielemans headed home the equaliser moments later, stunning Senegal and forcing the match into extra time. 

As penalties loomed, Belgium were awarded a dramatic spot-kick deep into stoppage time after a VAR review judged Lamine Camara to have fouled Tielemans inside the box.  

Also see: Hugo Broos weighs future after Bafana Bafana’s World Cup elimination

The Belgian midfielder kept his composure, firing home the decisive penalty in the 125th minute to complete one of the tournament’s most remarkable comebacks. 

For Senegal, this defeat is particularly painful, as they were looking to make history for their country. 

Belgium will now face the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Round of 16 clash in Seattle on Tuesday morning.

Also see: Kylian Mbappe breaks historic World Cup knockout record

Featured image: Getty Images / Alex Grimm

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