Incredible Comeback! Belgium rallied from being two goals down to eliminate Senegal.

Belgium national team secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 after a gruelling battle against Senegal. The Red Devils came back from a two-goal deficit to claim a dramatic 3-2 extra time victory at Seattle Stadium, early Thursday WIB.

The match remained high-tension right from the opening minute. Senegal played with far greater effectiveness, catching off guard a Belgium side fielding experienced stars including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois.

Senegal opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Ismaila Sarr's header first struck the goalpost, before Habib Diarra pounced on the loose rebound to put Senegal 1-0 ahead.

After the half-time break, Senegal punished Belgium's backline once again. A rapid counter attack built by Moussa Niakhate was finished off by Ismaila Sarr in the 51st minute, doubling Senegal's advantage to 2-0.

Belgium was on the brink of elimination as the final five minutes of regular time began. But the experience of their senior players came to the fore at this critical moment.

Romelu Lukaku revived Belgium's hopes in the 86th minute. The veteran striker broke past Senegal's defensive cover to pull one back, bringing the score to 2-1.

Momentum then shifted completely in Belgium's favour. Just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans met Leandro Trossard's cross with an accurate header to level the scores at 2-2, forcing the match into extra time.

Once extra time began, Senegal attempted to freshen their play by bringing on Al Hadji Diouf, Nicolas Jackson and Bara Ndiaye, replacing Ismail Jakobs, Sadio Mane and Idrissa Gueye.

However these substitutions did not make a significant impact. None of the chances created for either side produced another goal. 

Belgium found their decisive moment in the 90+19th minute of extra time. Referee Said Martinez pointed to the penalty spot after reviewing VAR footage, ruling that a Senegal defender had fouled Youri Tielemans inside the penalty area. Despite fierce protests from the Senegal players, the referee stood by his decision.

As the designated penalty taker, Tielemans executed the kick perfectly. His shot wrong-footed goalkeeper Mory Diaw, completing the comeback to put Belgium 3-2 ahead.

This victory sends Belgium through to the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. Senegal meanwhile are forced to end their tournament run, despite having stood on the verge of victory after building an early two-goal lead.

Starting Line-Ups

Belgium: Thibaut Courtois (GK); Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate, Maxim de Cuyper; Hans Vanaken, Youri Tielemans; Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard; Charles De Ketelaere

Senegal: Mory Diaw (GK); Krepin Diatta, Pathe Ciss, Moussa Niakhate, Ismail Jakobs; Habib Diarra, Idrissa Gueye, Pape Gueye; Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr, Sadio Mane