Belgium is extraordinary FIFA World Cup The return against Senegal in 2026 featured more than late goals and dramatic VAR decisions. Before the Red Devils pulled off one of the biggest upsets in history with a World Cup knockout, striker Romelu Lukaku was forced to intervene and separate two of his team-mates during a heated altercation on the pitch.Trailing 0-2 by the 86th minute of the Round of 16 match in Seattle, Belgium seemed destined for elimination. Frustration boiled over among the players, with captain Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard engaged in a lively exchange before Lukaku stepped in to calm the mood.Ironically, the three players at the center of the incident would combine to script the Belgian’s unforgettable escape.
Lukaku the peacemaker before Belgium’s dramatic revival
Senegal dominated much of the contest and looked comfortable after goals in the first and early second half firmly took control. As Belgium’s hopes faded, emotions ran high, prompting Lukaku to separate Tielemans and Trossard before the situation escalated further.A few moments later, the experienced striker retired in the 86th minute.Just three minutes later, Trossard sent a teasing cross into the box, where Tielemans rose to equalize and win extra time, completing a remarkable turnaround in regulation.
VAR drama and a record-breaking winner
Belgium completed the comeback in dramatic fashion deep into extra time. As a penalty loomed, Lamine Camara brought down Tielemans in the penalty area. After a lengthy VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot despite furious protests from Senegal’s players, who delayed the restart by surrounding the penalty area.After almost seven minutes of drama, Tielemans confidently fired his penalty into the top corner in the 125th minute — the latest goal ever scored in FIFA World Cup history — to seal an incredible 3-2 victory.The win also made Belgium only the second team in the last 11 FIFA World Cups to come back from two goals down in a knockout match, equaling their famous comeback against Japan in 2018. The Red Devils will now face the United States in the last 16 as confidence rises after one of the most dramatic victories of the tournament.
