World Cup: Belgium fight from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2

Belgium produced a dramatic second-half comeback on Wednesday night, fighting from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and book their place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The match, played at Lumen Field, delivered a tense and chaotic contest that swung repeatedly across 120 minutes before Belgium eventually found a way through in the closing stages of extra time.

Senegal started strongly and could have taken an early lead when Ismaila Sarr latched onto a rebound in the box, only to fire narrowly wide of the right post.

He went close again shortly afterwards, meeting a cross inside the six-yard box but sending his header against the post. Senegal's pressure eventually paid off in the 25th minute when Habib Diarra reacted quickest to a rebound and slotted the ball into an empty net after a deflected effort fell kindly into his path.

The Senegalese dominance continued after the break, with Moussa Niakhaté delivering a precise lofted cross that found Sarr, who finished confidently inside the right post to make it 2-0.

At that stage, Senegal looked firmly in control, while Belgium were left searching for answers as the match slipped away from them.

However, Belgium slowly began to grow into the game, pushing higher up the pitch and creating more dangerous moments.

Dodi Lukebakio came close with a powerful effort from the edge of the box that whistled just wide of the left post, while Senegal also had chances to put the game beyond reach, most notably when Ibrahim Mbaye missed a big opportunity inside the box, firing narrowly wide.

With momentum on their side, goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans propelled Belgium to a 2-2 draw at full-time.

The result meant both teams would have to play 30 minutes of extra time to find the winning goal or engage in a penalty shootout.

In extra time, Belgium's persistence eventually paid off. The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time after a late VAR review awarded Belgium a penalty in the 120th minute following a challenge in the box.

Youri Tielemans stepped up under immense pressure and converted in the 120+5th minute, sealing a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory.

Following the win, Belgium advanced to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the Round of 32 tie between the United States and Bosnia.