Belgium players celebrate after their third goal against Senegal in their Round of 32 match. Photo: X
FIFA World Cup 2026

Belgium overturn two-goal deficit to eliminate Senegal in extra time

Staff Correspondent

Belgium staged a dramatic comeback from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time in the Round of 32, with Youri Tielemans scoring twice, including a decisive penalty deep into added time.

Habib Diarra gave Senegal the lead in the first half and Ismaila Sarr doubled it soon after the break.

The African side held onto their two-goal advantage till the 86th minute when Romelu Lukaku halved the deficit and just three minutes later Tielmans scored the equaliser to drag the match into extra time.

The tie was seemingly heading towards a penalty shootout but at the very end of extra time, Belgium were awarded a penalty following a lengthy VAR review on Lamine Camara's challenge on Tielemans inside the box.

Tielmans stepped up and scored the decisive goal that sealed Belgium’s place in the Round of 16, where they will play the winner between US and Bosnia and Herzegovina, set to take place later in the day.

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