Belgium Stun Senegal 3-2 to Reach World Cup Last 16

Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and book their place in the Round of 16.
Senegal dominated the opening stages and took a deserved lead in the 25th minute. After Ismaila Sarr struck the post, Habib Diarra reacted quickest to convert the rebound following a dangerous delivery from Sadio Mane.
The Lions of Teranga doubled their advantage shortly after the break when Sarr controlled Moussa Niakhate's long pass before finishing confidently past Thibaut Courtois, leaving Belgium on the brink of elimination.
The Red Devils mounted a stunning late fightback. Romelu Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute after combining with substitute Thomas Meunier, before Youri Tielemans headed in Leandro Trossard's cross three minutes later to force extra time.
With the match heading for penalties, Belgium earned a late spot-kick after a VAR review. Tielemans kept his composure to convert in the 120+5th minute, completing an unforgettable comeback and sealing a place in the last 16.

Your votes are in – Youri Tielemans is the @MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match! 👏

#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/MmZQb8DaRI

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 1, 2026

Youri Tielemans was named Player of the Match after scoring twice, including the decisive winner.

Belgium manager Rudi Garcia praised his team's resilience after the match:
"In football, anything is always possible as long as you believe in it. The strength of this squad also lies in the players who come off the bench. We made the necessary adjustments and things improved, even after conceding the second goal."

Belgium will remain in Seattle for their Round of 16 clash on 6 July, where they will face either hosts USA or Bosnia and Herzegovina