01/07/2026 21:04 - Deportes
Belgium pulled off one of the most stunning comebacks in World Cup history, overturning a 0-2 deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 at the Seattle Stadium on July 1, 2026. The match will be remembered for its incredible drama, with the winning goal coming from a penalty in the 120+5th minute of extra time.
For nearly 85 minutes, Senegal looked destined for the Round of 16. The African champions had controlled the match with authority, only to see their dreams shattered in a breathtaking late surge from the European side.
For context: The World Cup is the pinnacle of international football, held every four years. The Round of 32 (16avos de final) is the first knockout stage where teams face elimination if they lose.
Senegal opened the scoring in the 25th minute through Pape Sarr Diarra, who finished a brilliant team move that left Belgium's defense completely exposed. The African side continued to dominate and doubled their advantage in the 51st minute when Ismaila Sarr fired past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after a defensive error.
Sadio Mané, Senegal's star forward who plays for Bayern Munich, was instrumental in creating chances throughout the match.
Belgium's revival began in the 86th minute when Romelu Lukaku, the all-time top scorer for Belgium, found the net to make it 2-1. Just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans headed into an empty net after a mistake from goalkeeper Mory Diaw to level the match at 2-2.
Fun fact: Romelu Lukaku is one of the most prolific strikers in international football history, having represented Belgium in multiple World Cups and European Championships.
The extra time period kept fans on the edge of their seats. In the 116th minute, Dodi Lukebakio struck the crossbar with the goal at his mercy—a moment that could have ended Belgium's hopes.
But the decisive moment came in the 119th minute when referee Said Martínez reviewed a potential penalty incident using VAR (Video Assistant Referee). The review confirmed that Lamine Camara had fouled Tielemans inside the area.
VAR explained: The Video Assistant Referee system allows referees to review controversial decisions using video footage. It has been a standard part of World Cup matches since 2018.
Tielemans stepped up and coolly converted the penalty into the top right corner in the 120+5th minute, sparking wild celebrations from the Belgian bench and supporters.
| Goal | Player | Minute | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senegal 1st | Pape Sarr Diarra | 25' | Senegal 1-0 |
| Senegal 2nd | Ismaila Sarr | 51' | Senegal 2-0 |
| Belgium 1st | Romelu Lukaku | 86' | Senegal 2-1 |
| Belgium 2nd | Youri Tielemans | 89' | Draw 2-2 |
| Belgium 3rd | Youri Tielemans (penalty) | 120+5' | Belgium 3-2 |
Belgium manager Rudi García kept faith with the same starting eleven that thrashed New Zealand 5-1 in the group stage: Thibaut Courtois (considered one of the world's best goalkeepers) in goal; Castagne, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper in defense; Tielemans, Vanaken in midfield; and Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku, De Keteleare in attack.
Senegal, coached by Pape Thiaw, lined up with: Mory Diaw; Krepin Diatta, Pathe Ciss, Moussa Niakhate, Ismail Jakobs in defense; Habib Diarra, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye in midfield; and Sadio Mané, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye leading the attack.
Note: Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 and were considered one of the strongest African teams in this tournament.
With this historic victory, Belgium became the ninth team to qualify for the Round of 16 (octavos de final) at the 2026 World Cup. They will face the winner of the match between United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, scheduled to be played in the coming hours.
Belgium now boasts an impressive 16-game unbeaten streak and carries renewed confidence after a comeback that will be remembered as one of the greatest in World Cup history.
Sources: CNN en Español, Infobae | Original coverage available at major sports news outlets
Alfredo S. Quiroga
