Belgium produced one of the greatest escapes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overturning a two-goal deficit with three late goals — including the latest goal in World Cup history — to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time to reach the last 16 on Wednesday.Just moments from elimination, the Red Devils fought back admirably, with substitute Romelu Lukaku igniting a comeback before Youri Tielemans struck twice, including a dramatic penalty deep into injury time to see Belgium through.The victory also marked only the second time in the last 11 FIFA World Cups that a team from a knockout game recovered to trail by two or more goals. Ironically, Belgium were responsible for the second such comeback, when they came from 2-0 down to beat Japan 3-2 in the 2018 Round of 16.
Tielemans’ historic penalty completes a stunning turnaround
Belgium appeared destined for a shock exit after Senegal dominated much of the competition.Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Ismaila Sarr doubled Senegal’s lead six minutes into the second half with one of the goals of the tournament. Sarr controlled Moussa Niakhate’s long pass with a brilliant first touch before calmly beating veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to make it 2-0.Courtois then kept Belgium alive with a string of key saves as Senegal threatened to put the contest beyond doubt.Belgium’s revival finally began in the 86th minute when all-time leading scorer Romelu Lukaku, brought on from the bench, pulled one back.Just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans scored the equalizer in the 89th minute to surprise Senegal and win extra time.After taking penalties in just a few seconds, Tielemans was brought down in the penalty area in the final moments of overtime. After reviewing the VAR, the referee pointed to the spot.The Belgian midfielder calmly converted in the fifth minute of stoppage time in extra time, scoring the last goal of FIFA World Cup history and completing one of the most notable knockout comebacks in the competition.
Senegal were left heartbroken after the VAR drama
Senegal’s players were left dejected after seeing victory slip away in dramatic fashion.Coach Pape Thiaw chose not to criticize the decisive penalty decision.“I don’t want to interpret the decision. We all have different interpretations when it comes to awarding a penalty,” said Thiaw. I would rather not comment, not interpreting the judge’s decision, he said.Senegal’s players surrounded the referee after the award, with defender Pathe Ciss even lying on top of the penalty area in protest before eventually moving aside for the kick.Reflecting on the collapse, Thiaw admitted that Belgium capitalized when it mattered most.“It’s a cruel defeat, because we played well. We had the advantage. We were leading 2-0. However, football is not an 85-minute game. Belgium came back and we couldn’t handle it… We have to congratulate Belgium for advancing,” he said.He also explained his team’s reaction to VAR’s decisive call.“Well, when the penalty was awarded, we had our own interpretation. We believed that there was no penalty. The players tried to challenge the decision. That’s their right. And then the penalty was taken. And that’s why we were eliminated,” he added.
