Belgium's late blitz and Tielemans penalty sink Senegal 3-2 in extra-time World Cup thriller
Belgium rallied from a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 in extra time, advancing to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
Senegal's early dominance
The African side controlled the opening stages, pressing high and creating chances. Ismaïla Sarr hit the post from close range in the 13th minute after a Thibaut Courtois error. The pressure told in the 25th when Habib Diarra tapped in the rebound after Sarr's header struck the woodwork again, following a cross from Sadio Mané.
Senegal doubled their lead shortly after the restart. A long ball from Moussa Niakhaté found Sarr, who chested down and volleyed past Courtois in the 50th minute. Belgium looked disjointed, and frustration boiled over during a cooling break when Axel Witsel and Youri Tielemans nearly clashed.
Belgium's late revival
Rudi Garcia made bold substitutions, withdrawing Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku. The moves sparked a turnaround. Romelu Lukaku headed in a cross in the 86th minute to reduce the deficit. Just three minutes later, Tielemans pounced on a goalkeeping error by Édouard Mendy to level at 2-2 and force extra time.
Extra-time decider
The match remained tense until deep into added time. In the 120+5th minute, a penalty was awarded after an on-field VAR review for a foul by Cheikhou Kouyaté. Tielemans stepped up and converted coolly to seal a 3-2 victory.
- Habib Diarra scores for Senegal (1-0)
- Ismaïla Sarr doubles Senegal's lead (2-0)
- Romelu Lukaku pulls one back for Belgium (2-1)
- Youri Tielemans equalizes for Belgium (2-2)
- Tielemans converts penalty after VAR to win it (3-2)
What's next
Belgium await the winner of the United States versus Bosnia and Herzegovina tie, scheduled for 2 July, to learn their opponent in the round of 16.
