Belgium completed one of the most dramatic comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 encounter.

Trailing by two goals with just five minutes of normal time remaining, Rudi Garcia's side looked destined for elimination. Instead, the Red Devils produced an extraordinary late fightback, forcing extra time before sealing victory with a decisive penalty deep into the additional period.

For Senegal, the defeat will be especially painful. The African side controlled large spells of the contest, dominated possession from the opening whistle and repeatedly outmuscled their European opponents in midfield, looking the more dangerous team for much of the evening.

The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Sadio Mane exploited poor positioning in Belgium's defence before delivering a perfectly weighted cross to Ismaila Sarr. His powerful header crashed against the post, but Habib Diarra reacted quickest to the rebound and calmly fired home to give Senegal a deserved lead.

Rudi Garcia introduced Romelu Lukaku immediately after the break in an attempt to inject more attacking power. However, the substitution was quickly overshadowed as Senegal doubled their advantage just six minutes into the second half.

Defender Moussa Niakhate produced a superb long pass from inside his own half, finding Ismaila Sarr, who controlled the ball brilliantly on his chest before firing past Thibaut Courtois with his second touch to make it 2-0.

With elimination looming, Garcia threw caution to the wind, making a series of attacking substitutions. For most of the second half, Senegal defended with remarkable discipline and appeared to have one foot in the Round of 16. Then came five unforgettable minutes that completely transformed the match.

The comeback began in the 86th minute when Diego Moreira won possession high up the pitch before releasing Thomas Meunier. His low cross into the six-yard box was met by Romelu Lukaku, who reacted first to pull one goal back and breathe life into Belgium's challenge.

Moments later, Leandro Trossard delivered an inviting cross into the area, where Youri Tielemans arrived perfectly to head home the equaliser, completing an astonishing turnaround in normal time and sending the tie into extra time.

Extra time unfolded at a relentless pace, with both teams pushing for a winner amid soaring tension. Senegal came agonisingly close in the 109th minute when Ibrahima Mbaye narrowly missed the far corner after a dangerous counter-attack.

The decisive moment arrived in the 117th minute. Dodi Lukebakio struck the crossbar after a dangerous move down the left flank, but the real drama unfolded inside the penalty area. During the attack, Camara brought down Youri Tielemans with a late challenge while attempting to stop his run.

Following an on-field review, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Youri Tielemans kept his composure and confidently converted the spot-kick, completing one of the greatest escapes of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The remarkable 3-2 victory sends Belgium into the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the tie between United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

World Cup 2026

Belgium - Senegal 3:2 (0:1)
Goals: Diarra H., 25 (0:1); Sarr Is., 51 (0:2); Lukaku R., 86 (1:2); Tielemans, 89 (2:2); Tielemans, 125 (penalty) (3:2)

Belgium: Courtois; Castagne; Theate; Mechele; De Cuyper (Meunier, 78); De Bruyne (Raskin, 56); Tielemans; De Ketelaere (Lukaku R., 46); Vanaken (Moreira D., 63); Trossard (Onana A., 109); Doku J. (Lukebakio, 56)
Substitution: Lukaku R. (from 46); Raskin (from 56); Lukebakio (from 56); Moreira D. (from 63); Meunier (from 78); Onana A. (from 109)
Bench: Lammens; Penders; De Winter K.; Seys; Ngoy N.; Saelemaekers; Witsel; Fernandez Pardo
Yellow Cards: Mechele 64

Senegal: Diaw M.; Jakobs I. (Diouf Mal., 93); Niakhaté; Gueye P.A. (Camara L., 66); Diarra H. (Sarr P., 73); Gueye I.; Ciss P. (Sapoko Ndiaye, 95); Mane Sa. (Jackson N., 93); Sarr Is.; Ndiaye Il. (Mbaye, 73); Diatta
Substitution: Camara L. (from 66); Sarr P. (from 73); Mbaye (from 73); Diouf Mal. (from 93); Jackson N. (from 93); Sapoko Ndiaye (from 95)
Bench: Diouf Y.; Mendy An.; Sarr; Koulibaly K.; Seck A.; Diao; Dieng A.; Ndiaye Ch.
Yellow Cards: Camara L. 67