Belgium vs. Senegal, World Cup match result: Belgium into last 16 with dramatic last-gasp penalty winner

Belgian Youri Tielemans (8) celebrates after scoring a goal in the round of 16 World Cup match against Senegal. (AP photo) Belgium pulled off one of the biggest upsets at the 2026 World Cup when they overcame a two-goal deficit with three late goals – including the latest goal in World Cup history – to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time and storm into the last 16 on Wednesday.Just moments from being eliminated, the Red Devils mounted an extraordinary fightback, with substitute Romelu Lukaku sparking a comeback before Youri Tielemans struck twice, including a dramatic penalty deep into stoppage time in extra-time, to put Belgium through.The win also marked only the second time in the last 11 FIFA World Cups that a team from two or more goals down in a knockout match has come back to advance. Ironically, Belgium were responsible for another such comeback as they rallied from 2-0 down to beat Japan 3-2 in the 2018 Round of 16.

Tielemans’ historic penalty completes a stunning turnaround

Belgium looked destined for a shock exit after Senegal dominated much of the match.Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Ismaila Sarr doubled Senegal’s advantage six minutes into the second half with one of the goals of the tournament. Sarr brilliantly controlled Moussa Niakhate’s long pass with his first touch before calmly slotting past experienced 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 game in doubt.Belgium’s revival finally began in the 86th minute when all-time top scorer Romelu Lukaku, introduced from the bench, pulled one back.Just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans fired home in the 89th minute to stun Senegal and force extra time.In a penalty shootout that was just a few seconds apart, Tielemans was knocked to the booth in the moments of overtime. After checking the VAR, the referee pointed to the spot.The Belgian midfielder calmly converted in the fifth minute of stoppage time to score the latest goal in FIFA World Cup history and complete one of the competition’s most remarkable knockout comebacks.

Senegal left heartbroken after VAR drama

Senegal’s players were left devastated after seeing victory slip away in dramatic fashion.Coach Pape Thiaw chose not to criticize the decisive penalty decision.“I don’t want to interpret the decision. We all have different interpretations when it comes to sentencing,” Thiaw said. “I prefer not to comment, not to interpret the referee’s decision,” he said.Senegal’s players surrounded the referee after the award, with defender Pathe Ciss even lying down on the penalty spot in protest before finally turning away for the kick.Reflecting on the collapse, Thiaw conceded that Belgium capitalized when it mattered most.“It’s a tough loss because we were playing well. We had the advantage. We were 2-0 up. But football is not 85 minutes. Belgium came back and we couldn’t deal with it… We have to congratulate Belgium for advancing,” he said.He also explained his team’s reaction to the decisive VAR call.“Well, when the penalty was awarded, we had our own interpretation. We believed it wasn’t a penalty. The players tried to challenge the decision. It’s their right. And then the penalty was awarded. And that’s why we were sent off,” he added.