Belgium overturns 0‑2 deficit to reach World Cup 2026 round of 16

Belgium stunned Senegal by coming back from a 0‑2 halftime hole to win 3‑2 and qualify for the World Cup 2026 round of 16. Senegal opened the scoring in the 25th minute through Hamid Diarra and doubled the lead in the 51st minute via Ismaila Sar. Belgium reduced the deficit in the 86th minute with a goal by Loukaku and equalised three minutes later when Yuri Tieleman scored.

In extra time, a VAR review awarded a penalty to Belgium after a foul on Kamara. Tieleman converted the spot‑kick in the 125th minute (the fifth minute of stoppage) to give Belgium a 3‑2 victory. The match was played at Seattle Stadium, and the winner will face either the United States or Bosnia‑Herzegovina in the round of 16.

The comeback marked the first occasion a team has reversed a two‑goal deficit in a World Cup knockout‑stage match, underscoring Belgium’s resilience and securing their place among the final sixteen teams.