Tielemans’ last-gasp penalty completes stunning Belgium comeback to eliminate Senegal

Belgium produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday night, overturning a two-goal deficit before defeating Senegal 3-2 after extra time in a dramatic Round of 32 clash at Seattle Stadium.

Just moments away from elimination, Belgium found inspiration through substitute Romelu Lukaku and captain Youri Tielemans, who scored twice, including a stoppage-time penalty deep into extra time, to send Rudi Garcia’s side into the Round of 16 after an unforgettable contest.

Senegal had looked destined for victory after an energetic display that overwhelmed the Red Devils for long periods.

The Lions of Teranga dominated the opening half with aggressive pressing and fluid attacking play, forcing Thibaut Courtois into several early interventions before finally breaking the deadlock in the 24th minute.

Sadio Mane’s dangerous delivery found Ismaila Sarr, whose header struck the post before Habib Diarra reacted quickest to tap home the rebound, rewarding Senegal for their superiority.

Belgium struggled to establish any rhythm before halftime, creating little in attack as Senegal continued to dictate possession and threaten on the counter.

The African side doubled their advantage six minutes after the restart through a moment of individual brilliance from Sarr.

Moussa Niakhate’s long pass released the Crystal Palace forward, who expertly controlled the ball on his chest before firing an unstoppable half-volley beyond Courtois to make it 2-0.

With Belgium’s World Cup campaign slipping away, Garcia introduced Lukaku at halftime and later made further attacking substitutions in search of a lifeline.

The changes transformed the contest. Lukaku ignited the comeback in the 86th minute, reacting quickest to Thomas Meunier’s cross to finish neatly from close range.

Three minutes later, Belgium were level as Tielemans rose above the Senegal defence to head Leandro Trossard’s looping cross into an unguarded net after goalkeeper Mory Diaw misjudged the delivery.

Extra time followed, with Belgium gradually taking control while Senegal struggled to regain their earlier intensity.

Both sides created half-chances, but penalties appeared inevitable until deep into stoppage time.

The decisive moment arrived after a lengthy VAR review.

Referee Héctor Saíd Martínez Sorto awarded Belgium a penalty after determining that Lamine Camara had fouled Tielemans while challenging for Diego Moreira’s low cross.

Despite the enormous pressure and prolonged delay caused by protests from Senegal’s players, Tielemans remained composed, sending Diaw the wrong way from the penalty spot in the 125th minute to complete one of the greatest comeback victories in World Cup knockout history.

Senegal threw everyone forward in a desperate final attack, but Courtois and Belgium’s defence held firm until the final whistle confirmed a dramatic victory.

Belgium advance to the Round of 16, where they face the United States.

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