Belgium defeats Senegal 3-2 in World Cup round of 16 after VAR‑awarded penalty

In the round‑of‑16 match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Belgium overturned a 0‑2 deficit to beat Senegal 3‑2 after extra time. The game was played at Seattle’s Lumen Field (United States) on 2 July. Senegal took the lead through Ismaila Sarr and Diarra, but Romelu Lukaku headed in a consolation goal in the 86th minute. Youri Tielemans equalised five minutes later, sending the match to overtime. During the second period of extra time, a clash between Lamine Camara and Tielemans was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Brazilian VAR official Rodolpho Toski prompted the referee to reassess the incident, and a penalty was awarded. Tielemans converted the spot‑kick, sealing the 3‑2 victory. The decision sparked debate over the timing and correctness of the VAR call. With the win, Belgium advanced to the quarter‑finals, where they will face the winner of the United States‑Bosnia & Herzegovina match. Senegal was eliminated, adding to a pattern dubbed the “86‑minute curse” after three African teams were knocked out of the tournament in the dying minutes of their matches.