Belgium 3-2 Senegal: Lukaku 86, Tielemans 89, 120+5 pen; Diarra 24, Sarr 51
It is part awful, part cruel for Senegal as Belgium completed a dramatic comeback to win 3-2 after extra time, Youri Tielemans converting a penalty at the death to send Rudi Garcia’s side into the last 16.
The Aston Villa midfielder held his nerve from the spot after a lengthy VAR review deep into added time at the end of extra time. Belgium had looked destined for elimination after trailing by two goals as of the 85th minute, but they will now face USA in the next round.
Senegal appeared to have one foot in the last 16 for much of the contest after Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr put them firmly in control. Pape Thiaw’s side defended with discipline and created the better chances, the better side all round, only to fall apart at the end.
It was a bright start for Senegal as they nearly went ahead when Sarr struck the post inside the opening 12 minutes. The Crystal Palace winger threatened again midway through the first half, heading against the same upright from Sadio Mane’s cross, before Diarra reacted quickest to bury the rebound and give Senegal a deserved lead.
Belgium struggled to find any rhythm before the interval and Garcia responded by introducing Romelu Lukaku in the second period. Even then, Senegal remained in charge.
Six minutes in, Sarr doubled their lead in the most remarkable fashion. Racing onto Moussa Niakhate’s long pass, he cushioned the ball expertly on his chest, warded off the Belgian defender to his left and fired past Thibaut Courtois. Belgium looked thoroughly beaten.
Senegal could even have put the contest beyond doubt when Sadio Mane was denied by a fine save from Courtois with six minutes of normal time remaining. But then Lukaku restored hope in the 86th minute, muscling his way in front of Pathe Ciss to steer Thomas Meunier’s cross beyond Mory Diaw at his near post.
Oh captain my captain. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/wHCOoPScil
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) July 1, 2026
Three minutes later the comeback was complete as Tielemans rose between two defenders to head Leandro Trossard’s inviting cross into the net.
The momentum had completely shifted but extra time still dragged on and it looked like matters were heading to penalties. But in the closing seconds, Dodi Lukebakio fired against the crossbar for Belgium before the referee was called to the pitchside monitor after VAR alleged that Lamine Camara had fouled Tielemans.
Senegal have been down this controversial route before, and probably had cause to feel outraged given Camara was in front and Tielemans had jumped in from behind him to get kicked. Tielemans braved the white noise and fired in to break Senegal hearts.
