Belgium produced one of the greatest escapes of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overturning a two-goal deficit with three late goals – including the last goal in World Cup history – to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and a storm in the Round of 16 on Wednesday.Moments from elimination, the Red Devils mounted an extraordinary comeback, with substitute Romelu Lukaku igniting the comeback before Youri Tielemans struck twice, including a dramatic stoppage-time penalty to send Belgium through.The win also marked only the second time in the last 11 FIFA World Cups that a team trailing by two or more goals in a knockout match has recovered to advance. Ironically, Belgium were also responsible for the other comeback when they rallied from 2-0 down to beat Japan 3-2 in the 2018 Round of 16.
Tielemans’ historic penalty completes a stunning turnaround
Belgium looked set for a shock exit after Senegal dominated much of the contest.Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Ismaila Sarr doubled Senegal’s lead six minutes into the second half with one of the goals of the tournament. Sarr controlled Moussa Niakhate’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 string of crucial saves as Senegal threatened to put the contest beyond doubt.Belgium’s revival finally began in the 86th minute when all-time top scorer Romelu Lukaku, introduced from the bench, pulled one back.Just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans fired home the equalizer in the 89th minute to stun Senegal and force extra time.With a penalty shootout just seconds away, Tielemans was brought down in the box in the dying moments of extra time. After a VAR review, the referee indicated the spot.The Belgian midfielder calmly converted in the fifth minute of stoppage time in extra time, scoring the last goal in FIFA World Cup history and completed one of the most remarkable knockout returns of the competition.
Senegal left heartbroken after VAR drama
Senegal’s players were left devastated after seeing victory slip away in dramatic fashion.Coach Pape Thiaw chose not to criticize the decisive penalty decision.“I don’t want to interpret the decision. We all have different interpretations when it comes to awarding a penalty,” said Thiaw. “I prefer not to comment, not to interpret the referee’s decision,” he said.Senegal players surrounded the referee after the award, with defender Pathe Ciss even standing over the penalty spot in protest before eventually moving on for the kick.Reflecting on the collapse, Thiaw admitted that Belgium capitalized when it mattered most.“It is a cruel loss, as we were good in the game. We had the advantage. We led 2-0. In any case, a football match is not 85 minutes. Belgium came back, and we could not deal with it … We have to congratulate Belgium as we progress,” he said.He also explained his team’s reaction to the decisive VAR call.“Well, when the penalty was awarded, we had our own interpretation. We believed that there was no penalty. The players tried to challenge the decision. It’s their right. And, then the penalty was taken. And, that’s why we were eliminated,” he added.