Senegal suffered one of the most heartbreaking exits of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday after surrendering a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 to Belgium after extra time in a dramatic Round of 32 clash.
The Lions of Teranga appeared to be cruising into the Round of 16 after dominating much of the contest and establishing a comfortable two-goal cushion, only for Belgium to stage a remarkable late comeback before sealing victory with a controversial extra-time penalty.
Senegal made the brighter start and deservedly broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute when Habib Diarra capped a flowing attacking move to give the African side a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
The advantage doubled just six minutes after the restart as Ismaïla Sarr finished off another well-crafted move following impressive build-up play involving Moussa Niakhaté, leaving Belgium on the brink of an early World Cup elimination.
But the Red Devils gradually clawed their way back into the contest.
Defender Brandon Mechele ignited Belgium’s revival in the 64th minute, powering home a header from a set-piece to cut the deficit and shift the momentum.
With Senegal beginning to fade physically, Belgium piled relentless pressure on their opponents. Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku made it 2-2 in the 86th minute after converting Thomas Meunier’s delivery, setting up a frantic finale.
Just three minutes later, Belgium completed a sensational comeback as Youri Tielemans fired home from Leandro Trossard’s pass in the 89th minute, stunning Senegal and forcing the contest into extra time.
Both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities during the additional 30 minutes as fatigue took its toll, and the match appeared destined for a penalty shootout.
However, deep into stoppage time of extra time, the referee awarded Belgium a penalty following a VAR review. Tielemans stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 120th minute, completing an astonishing turnaround and sending Belgium into the Round of 16.
For Senegal, it was a painful end to a match they had largely controlled. Their inability to protect a two-goal lead ultimately proved decisive as Belgium’s experience, persistence and late clinical finishing turned the tie on its head.
Belgium now advance to the Round of 16, where they will face the winners of the last-32 encounter between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Senegal become the latest African side to exit the tournament after letting victory slip from their grasp.
