A controversial late penalty helped Belgium edge past Senegal and secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage.
SEATTLE: Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overturning a late deficit before surviving extra time to defeat Senegal 3–2 in a pulsating Round of 32 encounter on Wednesday night and book their place in the last 16.
The European side looked set for an early exit after Senegal twice took the lead and appeared on course for a major upset.
However, Belgium refused to collapse, forcing extra time with a dramatic late equaliser before clinching victory through a fiercely contested penalty that triggered protests from Senegalese players.
Belgium, who entered the knockout stage as one of the tournament favourites after topping Group G, ultimately held their nerve, while Senegal earned praise for their pace, physical intensity, and disciplined defending throughout the match.
Their clash lived up to expectations, producing five goals, end-to-end action, and late controversy.
Senegal started brighter, pressing aggressively and punishing defensive mistakes to take control early on.
Belgium gradually settled into possession, created several chances, and eventually drew level, keeping the match evenly poised going into the second half.
The match came alive after the break.
Senegal struck again with a clinical finish to regain the lead, moving the African side within sight of the Round of 16.
As the clock ticked toward full time, Belgium pushed players forward in search of an equaliser, and their persistence was rewarded with a dramatic late goal that sent the match into extra time.
Extra time brought even greater tension.
Both sides exchanged attacking moves as fatigue set in, but the decisive moment arrived when the referee awarded Belgium a penalty following a heavily contested challenge inside the box. Senegal players surrounded the official in protest, insisting there was minimal contact, but the decision stood.
Belgium converted from the spot to complete a remarkable 3–2 comeback, ending Senegal’s hopes after one of the tournament’s most spirited performances.
The victory sends Belgium into the Round of 16, where the Red Devils will face the winner of the United States–Bosnia and Herzegovina match as they continue their bid for a second World Cup semifinal appearance in three tournaments.
For Senegal, the defeat brings an impressive campaign to a heartbreaking end.
After pushing one of Europe’s elite sides to the brink, the Lions of Teranga exit the tournament having come within minutes of one of the knockout stage’s biggest upsets.
