World Cup 2026: Belgium surprises Senegal with comeback and controversial penalty to advance
Belgium staged a stunning comeback against Senegal, scoring two goals in the final minutes to draw and win with a controversial extra-time penalty to progress to the round of 16.
SEATTLE — In one of the most exciting finals of the group stage, Belgium defeated Senegal 3-2 in extra time after a surprising comeback. Although Senegal took a 2-0 lead in the second half, Belgium responded with goals in the 86th and 89th minutes, taking the match into extra time. In the extra period, both teams struggled to score, but Belgium were awarded a crucial and controversial penalty in stoppage time of the second half of extra time after Red Devils captain Youri Tielemans was brought down by Lamine Camara in the box. Tielemans converted the penalty into the top right corner past Senegalese goalkeeper Mory Diaw to seal Belgium's incredible comeback.
Senegal tried to find an equalizer in the final minutes, including a dangerous free kick near the box in the last play of the game. But the final attempts were not enough to stop the Teranga Lions from returning home. Belgium managed to reverse a 2-0 deficit in just three minutes. Despite starting the match as slight favourites, it was Senegal who dominated the first half, creating good opportunities before opening the scoring: although Ismaïler Sarr's initial header hit the post, Habib Diarra was there to score from the rebound. Senegal doubled their lead early in the second half with a magnificent goal from Sarr. A beautiful long ball from Moussa Niakhaté found Sarr, who weaved past three Belgian defenders before finishing precisely past Thibaut Courtois.
With time running out, Senegal believed victory was assured, but Belgium surprised with a magical comeback in just three minutes. In the 86th minute, striker Romelu Lukaku, who had come on as a substitute, reduced the deficit for the Red Devils. Then, in the 89th minute, Tielemans made a bold move, pulling Mory Diaw off the line in a difficult finish to level the game just before stoppage time began. Tielemans' decisive penalty guaranteed the victory and the advancement of Belgium, who are now preparing to face the winner of the duel between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 16.
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