Belgium overturns 2-0 deficit to beat Senegal 3-2 in World Cup 2026 Round of 16

Trailing 0‑2 after 51 minutes, Belgium rallied in Seattle to force extra time. Romelu Lukaku reduced the deficit in the 86th minute and Youri Tielemans equalised three minutes later, sending the match to a penalty shoot‑out. The decisive spot‑kick was taken by Tielemans at 124:44, the latest penalty ever recorded in a World Cup, giving Belgium a 3‑2 victory and a place in the quarter‑finals against the United States.

Coach Rudi Garcia’s side endured a chaotic sequence that included a field‑invasion, a watering‑break incident that soaked the coach, and a late‑game clash between Tielemans and Trossard. Lukaku later explained that he handed the deciding penalty to Tielemans for mental‑health reasons, citing his late father’s memory. The win ends Senegal’s strong tournament run after they had dominated for more than 80 minutes.