SEATTLE — Belgium advanced to the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday evening after staging a late multi-goal comeback to defeat Senegal 3-2 during extra time at the Seattle Stadium.
The European side trailed by two goals until the 86th minute of normal time before producing a rapid sequence of scoring interventions to equalize, eventually securing the victory with a penalty kick converted in the final sequence of extra time.
Senegal established a commanding lead through efficient transition play, opening the score in the 24th minute when Habib Diarra converted a rebound opportunity. The African side doubled its advantage early in the second half when winger Ismaïla Sarr controlled a long aerial pass and struck a volley past Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the 51st minute.
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia initiated several personnel changes following the second goal, withdrawing Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku to introduce attacking reinforcements from the bench. The tactical adjustments altered the momentum of the fixture in the closing phase of regulation time.
The Belgian comeback began in the 86th minute when substitute forward Romelu Lukaku directed a low cross from Thomas Meunier past Senegal goalkeeper Mory Diaw. Three minutes later, Youri Tielemans met a crossing delivery from Leandro Trossard to head home the equalizing goal, leveling the score at 2-2 in the 89th minute to force thirty minutes of extra time.
The decisive moment materialized in the 125th minute of play when Senegal substitute Lamine Camaracommitted a defensive foul on Tielemans inside the penalty area. Following a prolonged video assistant referee review by match official Saíd Martínez, a penalty kick was awarded to the European team.
Tielemans converted the spot-kick into the top right corner of the net, recording the latest winning goal in the history of the tournament. The result eliminates Senegal from the competition and confirms Belgium’s progression to the next knockout round, where they will remain in Seattle to face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 7.
