Belgium 3-2 Senegal (AET): Tielemans penalty caps stunning comeback

Youri Tielemans scored a penalty deep into added time of extra time to complete an astonishing comeback as Belgium defeated Senegal 3-2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16. The Red Devils, who trailed 2-0 with five minutes remaining in regulation, scored three unanswered goals to snatch victory from the Lions of Teranga.

Senegal takes control early

Senegal started strongly, exploiting the wings through Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye. Their early pressure nearly produced the opening goal when Thibaut Courtois pushed a deflected cross from Ismail Jakobs into the path of Ismaila Sarr. The Crystal Palace forward, falling, pushed the ball onto the post before sending the rebound wide.

The Lions of Teranga converted their dominance into a lead in the 25th minute. Habib Diarra scored after Sarr once again hit the woodwork. Mane delivered a beautiful inswinging cross, and Sarr outjumped the Belgium center-backs, with Diarra quickest to the rebound.

Senegal doubled their advantage after the break. In the 51st minute, center-back Moussa Niakhate fired a precise long ball that Sarr brought down with his chest as he broke past the Belgium defense, before firing past Courtois.

Belgium's late rally

Belgium appeared destined for elimination, but substitutes Thomas Meunier and Romelu Lukaku combined to give the Red Devils a lifeline in the 86th minute. Lukaku scored to make it 2-1. Three minutes later, Tielemans headed home an inswinging cross from Leandro Trossard to draw the European side level, sparking jubilant scenes as extra time beckoned.

The match appeared headed for a penalty shootout, but there was still time for more drama. Tielemans was brought down in the box, and after a VAR review, he stepped up to fire home the penalty in the 120th+5 minute, sending Senegal home in cruel fashion.

Historic comeback

This is the second time Belgium have recovered from a two-goal deficit to win a World Cup knockout match, following their 3-2 victory over Japan in the 2018 round of 16. The Red Devils will remain in Seattle to play their round of 16 match on 6 July against either hosts USA or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Reaction

“We’re out – it hurts. We must congratulate the team, who gave it their all, but unfortunately we weren’t able to hold on to our two-goal lead. Congratulations to the Belgian team, who have gone through. We have to accept this – that’s football.” — Pape Thiaw, Senegal manager

“In football, anything is always possible as long as you believe in it. The strength of this squad also lies in the players who come off the bench, because you can’t get results with just eleven players. We made the necessary adjustments from the second half of the first half onwards; we were playing key passes from too far out when there was no need to. We sorted that out and things improved, even though we conceded the second goal.” — Rudi Garcia, Belgium manager

“I’ve had enough of these matches! (laughs) It was intense, but we gave it our all. We were trailing, but we showed character. In matches like this, that’s what it takes. This Senegal side is one of the best teams in the tournament. Technically, physically and tactically, it was really tough. But when we stepped up the intensity of our pressing, when we were there for the second ball, our team spirit shone through and we won the match. It’s victories like this that we need to bring this squad even closer together. [On his goal] I think it’s my dad up there helping me. [On the fact that he was originally supposed to take the penalty] As I’m still going through a tough time mentally, I preferred Youri to take it.” — Romelu Lukaku, Belgium player

“We’re disappointed. We had a good first half, but it wasn’t enough. A match lasts 90 minutes, and we’re devastated. It’s very tough. I don’t know what to say.” — Senegal player (unidentified)