Belgium Stages Stunning Comeback, Wins on Penalty Kick in Extra Time to Defeat Senegal

2026 World Cup Key News

(CNA Seattle, July 1, International News) Belgium today, following their classic comeback in 2018, once again accomplished the impossible. Trailing by 2 goals for the entire match, they not only scored 2 goals to tie starting from the 86th minute, but also defeated Senegal with a crucial penalty kick in extra time, ultimately winning 3-2 and advancing to the Round of 16 in this World Cup.

The match was tied 2-2 at the end of regulation time, with no goals scored in the first half of extra time. In the second half of extra time, at the 120th minute, Belgium's shot on goal involved a suspected foul. After the referee reviewed the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) footage, a penalty kick was awarded. Youri Tielemans converted the penalty, giving Belgium a 3-2 victory.

Senegal, known as the "Lions of Teranga," dominated the match, taking the initiative from the start against world No. 9 Belgium. In the 24th minute, Senegal's Ismaila Sarr's header hit the post, but Habib Diarra seized the rebound and scored, giving his team a 1-0 lead.

Around the 30th minute, a disturbance by fans caused a temporary suspension of play, which then resumed. However, Senegal maintained their advantage. In the first half, Senegal had 7 shots with 3 on target, while Belgium had 5 shots with 2 on target.

In the 51st minute of the second half, Senegal's Moussa Niakhaté launched a long pass from midfield, and Sarr successfully received it and scored, extending Senegal's lead to 2-0. This was the fourth goal of the World Cup for Sarr, who plays for Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Senegal had lost to France and Norway in the group stage, but they played with great vigor against Belgium today. In contrast, Belgium appeared listless throughout the match. In the 84th minute, Timothy Castagne capitalized on an opponent's mistake to take a shot, but it was still ineffective.

As the match was nearing its end, veteran Belgian player Romelu Lukaku, assisted by Thomas Meunier, managed to score the team's first goal in the 86th minute. The Red Devils' morale surged thereafter. Three minutes later, they launched a second attack. The Senegalese goalkeeper failed to clear the ball cleanly, and Tielemans headed in the equalizer, bringing Belgium back from behind to tie the game with two late goals, forcing the match into extra time.

Both teams had good scoring opportunities in extra time, but neither could find the back of the net. As the match approached the 120th minute and was heading towards a penalty shootout, a not-so-obvious suspected foul occurred in the Senegalese penalty area. After the referee reviewed the VAR footage, a penalty kick was awarded. Tielemans scored his second goal of the match, securing Belgium's ticket to the Round of 16.

Belgium today reenacted their 2018 comeback legend. In the 2018 Russia World Cup, Belgium, trailing 0-2, scored 3 consecutive goals starting from the 69th minute to ultimately defeat Japan 3-2. That match is considered one of the classic matches in World Cup knockout history.

After fighting their way into the Round of 16 today, Belgium's next opponent will be the winner of the match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Compiled by: Qu Xiangping) 1150702

Stand with facts, your every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.

Download the CNA "Firsthand News" APP to get the latest news in real-time.

The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.