Belgian Youri Tielemans (8) celebrates after scoring a goal in the World Cup Round of 32 match against Senegal. (AP photo)
Belgium produced one of the greatest escapes of the 2026 World Cup, coming back from two goals down with three late goals – including the last goal in World Cup history – to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and advance to the last 16 on Wednesday.Just moments away from elimination, the Red Devils mounted an exceptional attack, with substitute Romelu Lukaku sparking a comeback goal before Youri Tielemans scored twice, including a thrilling penalty kick in stoppage time of extra time to send Belgium into the second round.This win was also only the second time in the last 11 FIFA World Cups that a team from two or more goals down in a knockout match had recovered to qualify.
Ironically, Belgium was responsible for another comeback as well, when they came from 2-0 down to beat Japan 3-2 in the 2018 Round of 16.
Tielemans’ historic penalty kick completes the stunning turnaround
It seemed that Belgium was on its way to a sudden exit after Senegal controlled most of the match.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 Nyakhate’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 series of crucial saves as Senegal threatened to put the match beyond doubt.Belgium’s awakening finally began in the 86th minute when Romelu Lukaku, the team’s all-time top scorer, pulled one back.Just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans scored the equalizer in the 89th minute, stunning Senegal and forcing extra time.With penalties just seconds away, Tielemans was brought down inside the box in the final moments of extra time.
After reviewing the VAR technology, the referee awarded a penalty kick.The Belgian midfielder calmly scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time in extra time, scoring the latest goal in FIFA World Cup history and completing one of the most memorable comebacks of the tournament.
Senegal left heartbroken after the VAR drama
The Senegal players were shocked after seeing the victory lost in a dramatic way.Coach Papi Thiaw chose not to criticize the decisive penalty kick decision.“I don’t want to explain the decision. We all have different interpretations when it comes to awarding a penalty kick,” Thiaw said. He said: “I prefer not to comment, and not to explain the referee’s decision.”Senegal’s players surrounded the referee after the award was awarded, with defender Pathé Cisse even lying on top of the penalty spot in protest before eventually moving sideways to take the kick.Reflecting on the collapse, Thiaw admitted that Belgium took advantage when it mattered most.He said, “It is a tough loss because we were good in the match. We had the advantage. We were ahead 2-0. But a football match does not last 85 minutes. Belgium came back and we could not deal with that… We must congratulate Belgium for their progress.”He also explained his team’s reaction to the crucial VAR call.He added: “Well, when the penalty was awarded, we had our own interpretation. We thought there was no penalty. The players tried to appeal the decision. It is their right. And then the penalty was awarded. That is why we were eliminated.”