World Cup: Belgium’s Miracle Comeback Sinks Senegal

Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Red Devils beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time. At one stage, Belgium were two goals behind. However, they refused to give up.

Romelu Lukaku started the comeback in the 86th minute. Then, Youri Tielemans scored twice. His final goal came from the penalty spot in the 120+5th minute. As a result, Belgium reached the World Cup Round of 16.

Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsPQkfngzV8

Belgium survive an incredible World Cup battle

Belgium entered the match as Group D winners. Therefore, many fans expected them to control the game. Senegal, however, showed no fear.

From the opening minutes, Belgium kept more of the ball. Kevin De Bruyne tried to control midfield. Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard and Charles De Ketelaere looked for space near the penalty area.

Even so, Senegal stayed calm. They defended in a compact shape. In addition, they waited for chances to attack at speed.

That plan soon brought success.

The two teams are playing a fiercely attacking game (Photo: Reuters)

Senegal punish Belgium in the first half

Belgium controlled possession after kickoff. Kevin De Bruyne led the attack, while Leandro Trossard and Charles De Ketelaere looked for openings.

However, Senegal stayed organized. They defended patiently and waited for counterattacks.

Their plan worked perfectly.

In the 25th minute, Sadio Mane crossed into the box. Ismaila Sarr headed the ball against the post. Diarra reacted first and scored the rebound.

As a result, Senegal took a 1-0 lead.

Photo: Reuters

Habib Diarra scored the opening goal (Photo: Reuters)

Belgium continued to keep the ball. Even so, they created very few clear chances. Meanwhile, Senegal looked dangerous every time they attacked.

The first half ended with Senegal ahead.

Senegal double their lead

Belgium made a key change after halftime. Romelu Lukaku came on to strengthen the attack. However, Senegal scored again before Belgium could respond.

A long pass split Belgium’s defense. Sarr ran onto the ball and finished calmly past Thibaut Courtois. Now Belgium trailed 2-0.

Photo: Reuters

Senegal doubled their lead (Photo: Reuters

At that point, Senegal looked in complete control. Belgium still had more possession. Nevertheless, they struggled to break through the strong Senegal defense.

As time ran out, many fans believed Belgium’s World Cup campaign was over.

Lukaku changes the game

Everything changed during the final minutes.

First, Lukaku scored in the 86th minute. He reacted quickly inside the penalty area and finished from close range. Belgium now trailed by only one goal.

Lukaku scored to reduce the deficit (Photo: Reuters)

Then, only three minutes later, Senegal’s goalkeeper made a costly mistake. Tielemans headed into an empty net to make it 2-2.

Tielemans scored the equalizer (Photo: Reuters)

Suddenly, the momentum shifted.

Belgium believed again. Meanwhile, Senegal looked shocked.

Neither team scored again in normal time. Therefore, the match went to extra time.

Extra time stays tense

Both teams played carefully in extra time. Neither side wanted to make a mistake. As a result, clear chances became rare.

Belgium kept more of the ball. Meanwhile, Senegal continued to threaten on the counterattack. For a long time, penalties seemed certain. However, one final twist changed everything.

Neither team had many dangerous opportunities in the first period of extra time (Photo: Reuters)

VAR gives Belgium one last chance

Deep into stoppage time, Belgium launched one final attack. Lukebakio hit the crossbar with a powerful shot. Then VAR reviewed the play. The officials spotted a foul on Tielemans inside the penalty area.

Therefore, Belgium received a penalty. Tielemans stepped up with huge pressure on his shoulders. He stayed calm and fired the ball into the net in the 120+5th minute. Moments later, the referee blew the final whistle.

Belgium had completed an amazing 3-2 comeback.

Tielemans scored the winning goal for the Belgian national team (Photo: Reuters)

Lukaku and Tielemans lead Belgium

Tielemans was the hero of the match.

He scored twice, including the winning penalty. He also stayed calm during the most important moments.

Lukaku also made a huge impact.

He came on at halftime and immediately improved Belgium’s attack. His goal started the comeback, while his physical play caused constant problems for Senegal’s defense.

Kevin De Bruyne also played an important role. Although he did not score, he controlled the midfield and created several attacks.

For Senegal, Sarr impressed with one goal and one assist. Mane also caused problems throughout the match.

Unfortunately, Senegal could not hold their lead during the closing minutes.

Belgium vs Senegal result

Final Score: Belgium 3-2 Senegal (after extra time)

Goals

Belgium

Romelu Lukaku (86′)
Youri Tielemans (89′)
Youri Tielemans (120+5′, penalty)

Senegal

Diarra (25′)
Ismaila Sarr (51′)

Belgium keep their World Cup dream alive

Belgium showed great character in this match.

They were close to elimination. However, they never stopped fighting.

Lukaku changed the game after coming off the bench. Then Tielemans completed the comeback with two crucial goals.

As a result, Belgium advanced to the World Cup 2026 Round of 16.

Meanwhile, Senegal left the tournament with pride. They played an excellent match and pushed Belgium to the limit. Even so, the Red Devils found a way to survive one of the most dramatic games of the tournament.

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