Belgium’s dramatic turnaround
Belgium staged a remarkable comeback against Senegal in the World Cup 2026 last-32 tie, securing a victory after trailing by two goals with only four minutes of normal time remaining. Goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr had put Senegal in a commanding position, leading 2-0. However, Romelu Lukaku’s 86th-minute goal ignited hope for Belgium, followed by captain Youri Tielemans’ equaliser three minutes later, forcing the match into extra time.
The decisive moment came deep into extra time when Tielemans converted a penalty in the 125th minute. This penalty, awarded after a VAR review for a challenge by Lamine Camara on Tielemans, sealed Belgium’s progression to the last 16. This goal was noted as the latest goal scored in World Cup history, occurring at 124 minutes and 44 seconds.
Former England striker Dion Dublin commented on the shift in momentum, stating that Senegal had been superior for 70 minutes until Lukaku’s introduction. Belgium’s coach, Rudi Garcia, highlighted the importance of squad depth, noting that success requires more than just the starting eleven. This comeback marks a significant achievement, as no team had previously recovered from such a late two-goal deficit in a World Cup match to avoid defeat.
Controversy and Senegal’s grievances
The winning penalty for Belgium was not without controversy. The decision, made after a lengthy VAR review, drew criticism from pundits. Former England defender Gary Neville expressed his disbelief that it was a penalty, while ex-Republic of Ireland skipper Roy Keane described it as harsh, questioning the time taken by the referee to reach a decision.
For Senegal, this outcome brought back memories of the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier in the year. In that match, a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco after a VAR check on El Hadji Malick Diouf’s challenge on Brahim Diaz led to head coach Pape Thiaw withdrawing his team from the field. This action ultimately resulted in Senegal being stripped of their title despite winning the match 1-0.
Thiaw acknowledged the painful loss, stating, “We’re out – it hurts.” He praised his team’s effort but conceded that they were unable to maintain their two-goal advantage. Despite the controversial nature of the penalty, Thiaw refrained from criticising the officiating post-match.
Belgium’s veteran influence and next steps
The comeback showcased the enduring quality of Belgium’s experienced players. Key figures such as Thibaut Courtois, Kevin de Bruyne, Thomas Meunier, and Romelu Lukaku, who were part of the 2018 squad that finished third, played crucial roles. Meunier provided the assist for Lukaku’s goal, and Courtois made a vital save to prevent Senegal from extending their lead to 3-0.
An incident involving Tielemans and Leandro Trossard, who were seen arguing during a hydration break, was reportedly defused by Lukaku. Coach Garcia viewed this intensity positively, suggesting it indicated a necessary grit within the squad. Garcia noted that he had aimed to instill more aggression in the team since taking over 18 months prior.
Belgium will now prepare for a last-16 encounter against either co-hosts United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina. The team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure suggest their veteran players could still be instrumental in their World Cup campaign.
The match saw Ismaïla Sarr initially put Senegal in a strong position, controlling a pass from Moussa Niakhate and scoring six minutes into the second half.
Kevin de Bruyne was substituted in the 58th minute, a visibly frustrating moment for the player.
Youri Tielemans scored the late spot-kick that sent Senegal home.
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Source: bbc.com
George Hartwell is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB.org, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with twelve years of reporting experience. He reported on West Country football before national coverage. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of the West of England and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Bristol, he watches grassroots football and writes a tactics column. “Tactics tell you more than any scoreline.”