Belgium staged one of the greatest comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Senegal 3-2 after extra time, overturning a two-goal deficit with three late goals, including the latest in World Cup history, to advance into the last 16 on Wednesday.Just steps away from elimination, the Red Devils mounted a remarkable fightback, with substitute Romelu Lukaku igniting a counter-attack before Youri Tielemans scored twice, including a dramatic penalty in extra-time to advance Belgium.The victory also marked the second time in the past 11 World Cups that a team had come back from two goals or more behind in the knockout round to advance. Ironically, Belgium were also responsible for another such comeback, when they came back from 2-0 down to beat Japan 3-2 in the last 16 in 2018.
Tielemans’ historic penalty completes stunning comeback
Belgium looked destined for elimination after Senegal dominated the tournament.Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Ismaila Sarr doubled Senegal’s advantage six minutes into the second half with a goal of this World Cup. Sarr controlled Moussa Nyahate’s long pass with a brilliant first touch before calmly beating veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to make it 2-0.Courtois then kept Belgium alive with a series of crucial saves, while Senegal threatened to put the game in doubt.Belgium’s resurgence finally began in the 86th minute when Romelu Lukaku, the all-time top scorer who came on as a substitute, pulled a goal back.Just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans equalized in the 89th minute to force Senegal into overtime.With just seconds remaining before the penalty shootout, Tielemans was brought down in the box in the final moments of extra time. After VAR review, the referee pointed to the scene.The Belgian midfielder calmly scored in the 5th minute of extra time, scoring the latest goal of the game. fifa world cup history and completed one of the most spectacular knockout comebacks in the game.
Senegal left heartbroken after VAR drama
Senegal’s players were shocked after watching victory slip away in dramatic fashion.Coach Papu Tio chose not to criticize the decisive penalty decision.“I don’t want to explain the decision. When we give a penalty, we all have different explanations,” Thio said. “I don’t want to comment or explain the referee’s decision,” he said.After the awards were presented, Senegalese players surrounded the referee, with defender Pat Siss even lying on the penalty spot in protest, but eventually stepped aside to accept the penalty.Looking back on the collapse, Thio admitted Belgium capitalized when it mattered most.“It was a cruel defeat because we had a great performance in the game. We had an advantage. We were 2-0 up. But a football match is not an 85-minute match. Belgium turned around and we couldn’t cope… We have to congratulate Belgium on the progress they have made,” he said.He also explained the team’s reaction to the decisive VAR call.“Well, when the penalty was awarded, we had our own explanation. We thought there was no penalty. The players tried to challenge the decision. That was their right. Then, the penalty was awarded. That’s why we were eliminated,” he added.
