​​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

Belgium completed one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Senegal 3 to 2 after extra time in their Round of 32 clash. Youri Tielemans converted a penalty in the 125th minute after a VAR review awarded Belgium a spot kick, sending Rudi Garcia's side into the last 16 after they had trailed 2 to 0 with just five minutes remaining in normal time.

Senegal looked in complete control for much of the contest and appeared destined for a memorable victory before Belgium produced an extraordinary late revival.

Senegal dominate before Belgium rally

For 85 minutes, Senegal were the superior side and deserved their two goal advantage through a disciplined defensive display and dangerous attacking football.

Belgium struggled to create clear opportunities and looked on course for an early tournament exit as Senegal controlled possession and limited the European side's attacking threats.

However, the match turned dramatically in the closing stages.

Lukaku and Tielemans spark comeback

​Romelu Lukaku gave Belgium hope in the 86th minute after finishing from close range following a low cross from Thomas Meunier.

Just three minutes later, Belgium completed the comeback when Tielemans headed into an open net after goalkeeper Mory Diaw failed to claim a dangerous cross.

The late equaliser forced extra time despite Senegal having dominated for most of the match.

VAR drama decides thriller

With penalty kicks appearing inevitable, Belgium earned one final opportunity deep into stoppage time of extra time.

Following a VAR review, referee Saíd Martínez awarded Belgium a penalty after determining that Lamine Camara had fouled Tielemans inside the penalty area.

The decision proved decisive.

Tielemans calmly converted from the spot in the 125th minute, placing his penalty into the top right corner to complete an astonishing turnaround and seal Belgium's place in the Round of 16.

Belgium advance after remarkable escape

The victory ranks among Belgium's greatest World Cup escapes, with the Red Devils recovering from a two goal deficit in a knockout match for the second time in three tournaments after their famous comeback against Japan in 2018.

Belgium will now face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16.

For Senegal, the defeat was a heartbreaking end to a performance that had put them within minutes of progressing before Belgium's dramatic late surge changed the course of the match.