Belgium clinches World Cup 2026 round‑of‑16 spot after penalty win over Senegal

Belgium overturned a 0‑2 deficit to defeat Senegal 3‑2 in extra time, securing a place in the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Romelu Lukaku, who had reduced the deficit, chose not to take the decisive penalty due to personal grief, handing the kick to teammate Youri Tielemans, who scored the winning spot‑kick.

The match saw early goals from Senegal, a late Belgian header by Lukaku, an equaliser by Tielemans, and a dramatic penalty shootout that ended 3‑2 in Belgium’s favour. The victory guarantees Belgium will face the United States in the next knockout round.