Belgium fought really hard to stage a 3-2 comeback triumph over Senegal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match at Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington DC, United States (US) on Wednesday 1 July, 2026.
Aston Villa midfielder, Youri Tielemans’ winner deep in extra time saved the Red Devils and helped the European side enter the tournament’s round of 16.
The Lions of Terange took the lead in the 25th minute through Sunderland midfielder, Habib Diarra; and in the 51st minute, the West African side extended their lead through Crystal Palace forward, Ismaila Sarr, with an assist from Lyon defender, Moussa Niakhaté.
Senegal were already cruising into the last 16 until the last four (4) minutes of the showdown when the Belgians finally clinched their breakthrough.
In the 86th minute, SSC Napoli striker, Romelu Lukaku, netted the first for the Red Devils after right-back Thomas Meunier had provided.
Just three (3) minutes later, Tielemans converted Arsenal forward, Leandro Trossard’s assist to level for Belgium and force the clash into extra time.
In the 125th minute, Belgium found the winner through Tielemans from the penalty spot.
With this outcome, Belgium will now face the USA in the last 16 of the tournament on Tuesday 7 July, 2026 at 01:00 (WAT) at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, US.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino guided the Yanks to a comfortable 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in their Round of 32 clash in the early hours of Thursday 2 July, 2026 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California, US.
This now makes it four (4) African nations eliminated from the World Cup 2026. South African, Ivory Coast, DR Congo and Senegal all ousted.
HC: Could this be a statement from Belgium that they are also World Cup 2026 title contenders?
Photo: Youri Tielemans celebrates Belgium’s 3-2 comeback win over Senegal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 match on Wednesday 1 July, 2026 in Seattle, US | Alex Grimm/Getty Images via AFP
