Belgium stun Senegal with late fightback to reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16
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Belgium staged a remarkable late comeback to book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 after a dramatic extra-time finish in Seattle. Senegal started the contest on the front foot, causing Belgium constant problems through the pace and creativity of Sadio Mané and Iliman Ndiaye. Their early pressure nearly paid off when Thibaut Courtois diverted a deflected cross into the path of Ismaila Sarr, whose first effort struck the post before he failed to convert the rebound. The African side eventually found the breakthrough in the first half. Sarr again threatened by hitting the woodwork after meeting Mané’s inviting cross, and Habib Diarra reacted quickest to the loose ball to slot home from close range and hand Senegal a deserved lead. Senegal doubled their advantage shortly after halftime through Sarr, who finally got on the scoresheet. Moussa Niakhaté delivered an accurate long pass over the Belgian defense, allowing Sarr to control the ball expertly before calmly finishing beyond Courtois. With Belgium seemingly heading for elimination, the momentum shifted dramatically in the closing stages. Substitute Thomas Meunier combined effectively with Romelu Lukaku to pull one goal back, giving the Red Devils renewed belief. Moments later, Leandro Trossard delivered a dangerous cross into the area, where Youri Tielemans rose highest to head home the equalizer, completing a stunning late recovery and forcing the match into extra time. As the contest appeared destined for a penalty shootout, Belgium earned one final opportunity. Following a VAR review, Tielemans was adjudged to have been fouled inside the area. The midfielder confidently converted the resulting penalty deep into added time of extra time, sealing an extraordinary comeback and sending Senegal out of the tournament in heartbreaking fashion. Belgium will now remain in Seattle for their Round of 16 clash on July 6, where they will face either