Belgium vs. Senegal 3-2: Red Devils Come Back from 0-2 Down to Reach Round of 16
Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Belgium achieved a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal in extra time to qualify for the World Cup 2026 Round of 16.
- Senegal led 2-0, but Belgium staged a remarkable comeback with goals in the 86th and 89th minutes to equalize.
- Youri Tielemans scored the winning goal from a penalty in the 120+5th minute, completing Belgium's comeback.
Belgium secured a dramatic qualification for the World Cup 2026 Round of 16, defeating Senegal 3-2 in an extra-time thriller. Senegal had taken a commanding 2-0 lead and seemed to be in full control of the match. However, the "Red Devils" mounted a stunning comeback late in the second half.
Senegal opened the scoring in the 25th minute through Habib Diarra after a second attempt in the box. They extended their lead in the 51st minute with a goal from Ismaรฏla Sarr, following a well-worked combination. Belgium struggled to find solutions until Romelu Lukaku reduced the deficit in the 86th minute, reigniting their hopes. Just three minutes later, Tielemans headed in an equalizer from an assist by Trossard, sending the match into extra time.
In extra time, Belgium maintained a better rhythm, while Senegal remained dangerous on the counter-attack, missing a significant chance in the 109th minute. The match reached its climax when Tielemans converted a penalty in the 120+5th minute, sealing a monumental comeback victory for Belgium and their progression to the next stage.
Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.