Belgium defeats Senegal in World Cup knockout, advances to round of 16

Belgium’s men’s national football team overturned a 0‑2 deficit against Senegal in the World Cup knockout stage, winning 3‑2 after extra time. Jurri Tiélmans scored the decisive penalty in the added‑time period, securing Belgium’s place in the round of sixteen.

The match, part of the expanded 48‑team tournament held across Mexico, the United States and Canada, saw Senegal take a 2‑0 lead in the second half before Belgium rallied with goals from Romelu Lukaku and a late header from Tiélmans to force extra time. A VAR‑review awarded the penalty that proved decisive. Belgium will now face either the United States or Bosnia‑Herzegovina in the next round.

The win marks Belgium’s first progression to the knockout phase of the new format and continues the nation’s strong performance in international football.