Match Overview: Belgium 3–2 Senegal (AET)
In one of the most dramatic comebacks in World Cup history, Belgium overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3–2 after extra time at the Seattle Stadium.
Senegal initially took complete control of the game, opening the scoring in the 25th minute when Habib Diarra converted a rebound following a Sadio Mané cross. Early in the second half (51′), Ismaïla Sarr doubled Senegal’s lead with a beautiful strike, controlling a long ball on his chest before thundering it past Thibaut Courtois.
Just as Senegal seemed destined for the Round of 16, Belgium mounted a sensational late response. Substitute Romelu Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute, and just three minutes later (89′), Youri Tielemans headed home the equalizer to force extra time.
With a penalty shootout looming in the final seconds of extra time, Tielemans was fouled inside the box. After a dramatic VAR review, Youri Tielemans calmly stepped up to convert the penalty in the 125th minute—the latest goal in FIFA World Cup history—to send the Red Devils through to the last 16.
World Cup Round of 16: United States vs Belgium
Belgium’s incredible comeback has earned them a spot in the knockout stage, where they will face the host nation, the United States, in a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash.
- Matchup: United States vs Belgium
- Stage: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16
- Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 02:00 CEST (Central European Summer Time)
- Venue: Seattle Stadium, Washington (USA)
Quick Match Preview
- The Rematch: This fixture brings back memories of the legendary 2014 World Cup Round of 16 match, where Belgium defeated the USA 2–1 after extra time in an absolute thriller.
- Home Advantage vs Momentum: The United States will have the massive backing of their home crowd in Seattle, but Belgium enters the match with massive confidence and momentum after their historic 125th-minute winner against Senegal.
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