Belgium stage stunning comeback to reach World Cup round of 16

Belgium pulled off a stunning comeback, overturning a two-goal deficit to advance to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.

Belgium defeated Senegal 3-2 Thursday at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, with Youri Tielemans converting a penalty in the second period of extra time to break a 2-2 deadlock.

Belgium finished third at the 2018 World Cup — their best-ever result — before being eliminated in the group stage at the 2022 Qatar tournament. They have now advanced to the knockout rounds and claimed their first victory of this edition.

Belgium had been in danger of a second consecutive early exit after drawing 1-1 with Egypt and 0-0 with Iran in their opening two group matches. A 5-1 demolition of New Zealand in their final group game sent them through as Group G winners, and they then delivered a thrilling comeback to secure their place in the last 16.

Belgium will face the winner of the United States-Bosnia and Herzegovina match Tuesday in Seattle for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Senegal struck first. In the 24th minute, Ismaila Sarr's header struck the right post, and as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois threw himself at the rebound, Mouhamadou Habib Diarra pounced on the open goal to slot home with his right foot.

Holding a one-goal lead at halftime, Senegal doubled their advantage when Sarr added a second in the 51st minute to make it 2-0.

Belgium had replaced starting striker Charles De Ketelaere with veteran forward Romelu Lukaku at halftime. In the 56th minute they made another bold move, withdrawing key midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and winger Jeremy Doku.

The all-out attack eventually paid off. In the 86th minute, with defeat looking increasingly certain, Thomas Meunier cut the ball back from the right side of the penalty area after a loose ball from a challenge, and Lukaku charged in to finish with his right foot. Belgium's all-time leading scorer, Lukaku netted his 92nd international goal in his 130th cap.

Energized by the goal, Belgium leveled just three minutes later when Tielemans headed home a cross from Leandro Trossard, forcing extra time.

With the score still level deep into extra time, a penalty decided the tie. Tielemans went down under a challenge from Senegal's Lamine Camara as a cross came in, and after an on-field review the referee awarded a penalty. Tielemans stepped up, completely wrong-footed goalkeeper Mory Diaw, and drove the ball home with his right foot to end a fierce contest.