FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 : Belgium defeatS Senegal 3-2 after extra time.

Senegal raced into a commanding 2-0 lead with goals from Habib Diarra in the 24th minute and Ismaïla Sarr in the 51st minute. The Lions of Teranga looked set for a famous victory until Belgium mounted a late fightback that forced extra time and ultimately secured progression.

Substitute Romelu Lukaku sparked the revival with a goal in the 86th minute. Just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans headed home an equaliser in the 89th minute to make it 2-2. The match went into extra time, where tensions rose further. Tielemans emerged as the hero once again by converting a controversial penalty awarded deep in added time (120+5 minutes) following a VAR review, clinching a 3-2 win for the Red Devils.

Both teams made several substitutions as fatigue set in. Belgium brought on Lukaku at halftime and introduced other fresh legs like Dodi Lukébakio and Diego Moreira to push for the comeback. Senegal responded with their own changes, including Nicolas Jackson and Pape Matar Sarr. Yellow cards were shown to Belgium’s Brandon Mechele and Senegal’s Lamine Camara amid a competitive and physical battle.

This epic victory sends Belgium into the Round of 16 and eliminates a spirited Senegal side that had dominated much of the contest. The result highlights Belgium’s resilience and quality in crucial moments, though questions remain about the late penalty decision. Fans witnessed one of the tournament’s most exciting matches so far, full of twists that kept supporters on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.