Belgium survive Senegal scare to reach the last 16
Belgium produced one of the tournament’s most dramatic knockout wins, coming from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time and move into the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16. Youri Tielemans scored a late penalty in extra time to settle the match after Belgium had dragged itself level through quick goals from Tielemans and Romelu Lukaku.
The result sends Belgium into the last 16, where it will face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina, depending on that bracket’s outcome. It also deepens a day of knockout-round chaos that has already featured several heavyweights and contenders advancing, with England, the United States and others also moving on.
Belgium’s comeback stands out because Senegal had controlled large parts of the match before conceding under pressure late in the contest. The victory keeps Belgium alive in the tournament and adds another upset-flavored chapter to a World Cup that has already produced major shocks in the round of 32.