Tielemans’ 120th-minute penalty completes Belgium’s epic comeback to stun Senegal 3-2
Seattle, USA –
Belgium pulled off one of the most dramatic turnarounds of FIFA World Cup 2026™ so far, fighting back from 2-0 down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and book a spot in the last 16. Youri Tielemans was the hero, scoring a late header to force extra time before converting a stoppage-time penalty to break Senegalese hearts at Lumen Field.
The Red Devils now stay in Seattle for a Round of 16 clash on July 6 against either hosts USA or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Senegal Dominate Early and Take Control
Senegal started on the front foot, with Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye causing problems down the flanks. The pressure nearly told early when Ismail Jakobs’ deflected cross was parried by Thibaut Courtois into the path of Ismaila Sarr. The Crystal Palace forward stumbled, hit the post, and then fired the rebound wide.
The Lions of Teranga did not have to wait long. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Mane whipped in an inswinging cross, Sarr out-jumped Belgium’s defense and crashed a header against the woodwork again, but Diarra reacted fastest to slam in the rebound.
Senegal doubled their lead six minutes after halftime. Moussa Niakhate launched a perfectly weighted long ball over the top, Sarr controlled it on his chest, raced clear of the Belgian center-backs, and finished coolly past Courtois for 2-0.
Belgium looked out of ideas with time running out, and an exit was looming.
Late Substitutes Ignite Belgium’s Revival
Coach Domenico Tedesco turned to his bench in desperation. The move changed the game. In the 86th minute, Thomas Meunier linked with Romelu Lukaku, and the striker pulled one back to give Belgium hope.
Three minutes later, Leandro Trossard swung in a teasing cross from the left. Tielemans timed his run perfectly to head home and make it 2-2, sparking wild celebrations as the clock ticked toward 90 minutes.
VAR Drama Seals It in Extra Time
With penalties looking certain, Belgium were awarded one final lifeline. Tielemans was brought down inside the area after a VAR review, and the Aston Villa midfielder stepped up in the 120th+5 minute. He kept his nerve, drilling the penalty home to complete a 3-2 win.
Senegal, who had hit the woodwork twice and dominated for long spells, were left devastated after coming so close to a famous victory.
For Belgium, it was a night of resilience. Down and out at 2-0, they found goals from Lukaku and two from Tielemans to keep their World Cup dream alive.
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