Belgium pulled off one of the greatest saves of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overturning a two-goal deficit with three late goals – including the latest goal in World Cup history – to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and into the Round of 16 on Wednesday.On the brink of elimination, the Red Devils fought back surprisingly, with substitute Romelu Lukaku starting the comeback before Youri Tielemans struck twice, including a penalty in extra time to send Belgium through.The win marked the second time in the last 11 FIFA World Cups that a team trailing by two or more goals in the knockout stage recovered to advance. Surprisingly, it was Belgium who started another comeback, when they came from 2-0 down to beat Japan 3-2 in the 2018 Round of 16.
Tielemans’ massive penalty completes a remarkable turnaround
Belgium look set for a surprise exit after Senegal dominated most of the tournament.Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Ismaila Sarr extended Senegal’s lead six minutes into the second half with one of the goals of the tournament. Sarr controlled Moussa Niakhate’s long pass and struck early before calmly beating veteran Thibaut Courtois to make it 2-0.Courtois then kept Belgium alive with a flurry of saves as Senegal threatened to put the contest beyond doubt.Belgium’s revival began in the 86th minute when all-time leading scorer Romelu Lukaku, who was on the bench, fired back.Just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans scored in the 89th minute to shock Senegal and force extra time.With just a few seconds to go, Tielemans was brought down inside the box in extra time. Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot.The Belgian midfielder calmly converted in the fifth minute of stoppage time in extra time, setting up the latest goal. FIFA World Cup record and complete one of the most successful victories in the competition.
Senegal were left heartbroken after VAR play
The Senegalese players were disappointed to see the victory slip away in a surprising way.Coach Pape Thiaw chose not to criticize the definitive decision.“I don’t want to interpret the decision. We all have different interpretations when it comes to sentencing,” said Thiaw. “I don’t want to comment on anything, I don’t want to interpret the judge’s opinion,” he said.The Senegalese players surrounded the referee after the award, with defender Pathe Ciss lying on top of the penalty in opposition before moving aside to take the shot.Reflecting on the fallout, Thiaw admitted that Belgium was more important.“It’s a cruel loss, as we were good in the game. We had a chance. We were leading 2-0. However, football is not the 85th minute. Belgium came back, and we couldn’t fight this… We have to praise Belgium as they progress,” he said.He explained what his team did after the VAR call.“Well, when the penalty was given, we had our own interpretation. We believed that there was no penalty. The players tried to challenge the decision. It is their right. And, then the penalty was taken. And, this is why we were removed,” he said.
