Belgium complete incredible comeback to beat Senegal 3-2

Seattle witnessed the most dramatic match of the 2026 World Cup so far, as Belgium came from two goals down to snatch a 3-2 victory over Senegal in extra time, booking their place in the last 16.

Habib Diarra opened the scoring for Senegal in the 25th minute, and Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead in the 51st minute. Trailing 2-0, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia made a bold decision, substituting Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku for fresh legs. The gamble paid off.

Romelu Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute, and Youri Tielemans equalised in the 89th minute to send the match into extra time.

After a goalless first half of extra time, the drama peaked in the 125th minute. A VAR review awarded Belgium a penalty after Tielemans was brought down in the box. Tielemans stepped up and calmly converted, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to seal a 3-2 victory.

Senegal made a late appeal for a penalty, but the referee ruled the foul outside the box.

Statistics showed Belgium had 21 shots (5 on target) to Senegal's 19 (5 on target). Belgium edged possession 53-47 and had 4 corners to Senegal's 2. Belgium committed 21 fouls to Senegal's 11.

Both teams received one yellow card each.

The result ended Senegal's dream of a first-ever World Cup knockout victory in heartbreaking fashion, while Belgium proved their experience and resilience.