Belgium celebrating victory over Senegal Photo: Reuters
By Victory Oghene
Despite leading Belgium 2-0 in the round of 32 match in the second half Senegal have crashed out of the 2026 World Cup after suffering a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium.
Senegal conceded three late goals—including a 125th-minute penalty—to exit the tournament.
Senegal started the knockout fixture strongly, taking an early 25th-minute lead through Habib Diarra and doubling their advantage shortly after half-time with a goal from Ismaila Sarr. However, Belgium mounted a spectacular comeback in the :87th minute when substitute Romelu Lukaku scored to pull one back for Belgium. Not done yet, Belgium scored again in the 90th ninute through Captain Youri Tielemans, who headed in the equalizer to force extra time.
In the 125th munute of the extra time, Tielemans converted a controversial penalty deep into stoppage time to seal the 3-2 victory.
This defeat officially ends Senegal’s 2026 World Cup campaign, while Belgium advances to face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16.
Despite leading Belgium 2-0 in the round of 32 match in the second half Senegal have crashed out of the 2026 World Cup after suffering a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium.
Senegal conceded three late goals—including a 125th-minute penalty—to exit the tournament.
Senegal started the knockout fixture strongly, taking an early 25th-minute lead through Habib Diarra and doubling their advantage shortly after half-time with a goal from Ismaila Sarr. However, Belgium mounted a spectacular comeback in the :87th minute when substitute Romelu Lukaku scored to pull one back for Belgium. Not done yet, Belgium scored again in the 90th ninute through Captain Youri Tielemans, who headed in the equalizer to force extra time.
In the 125th munute of the extra time, Tielemans converted a controversial penalty deep into stoppage time to seal the 3-2 victory.
This defeat officially ends Senegal’s 2026 World Cup campaign, while Belgium advances to face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16.
