FIFA 2026: Belgium Narrowly Beat Senegal, Seal Spot In Round of 16

 

Belgium seized an incredible comeback to beat Senegal 3-2, with Youri Tielemans scoring a brace, and qualified for the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 

Senegal had an incredible start to the game until late into the game, when Belgium set off on a comeback with Romelu Lukaku, pulling back one goal for the side. They qualified for the Round of 32 as one of the best third-place finishers of the group stages. Eventually, they could not stop Belgium from reaching the Round of 16. 

Habib Diarra scored the opening goal midway through the first half, when Sadio Mane sprinted down the left, did a one-two with him, and crossed the ball into the six-yard box. Courtois dived and saved the ball into Diarra's reach for a tap-in. Senegal added the second goal in the second half, and this time, from Ismaila Sarr

Nkahate delivered a cross into the penalty area for Sarr, who, while he was challenged by Arthur Theate, managed to volley the ball into the net. Lukaku scored Belgium's first goal in the 86th minute from a difficult angle. Belgium swung the ball from left to right, and Meunier drifted into the far right and slipped a pass to Lukaku, who slammed the ball into the left corner of the post. 

Three minutes later, Youri Tielemans nodded in Leandro Trossard's cross, equalizing for Belgium. As the game drew near the end of extra time, Tielemans drew a penalty and converted the spot-kick to give Belgium the victory. 

Belgium missed out on Round of 16 at the last FIFA World Cup in Qatar. They will face the co-host nation, United States of America in the Round of 16.

Overview 

Belgium dug deeper for a comeback as Senegal watched the lead slip out of reach. Senegal had the pace and coordination, influenced by Sadio Mane. However, they did not prioritise defending the lead in the closing minutes. Lukaku found a weak link and set Belgium on the path of recovery. 

The fault was with Senegal. While Belgium reinforced their attack, Senegal did not bolster its defense since they were leading. Rudi Garcia's gamble with the substitutions paid off with the comeback goals from Lukaku and Tielemans. 

Chances and Defense 

The extra time was the deciding moment of the game, and Senegal had a chance to lead again. Ibrahim Mbaye kicked wide a glaring chance to restore the lead to Senegal inside the six-yard box. 

However, Leandro Trossard gave the best assists of the game. He was directly involved in the two goals that brought Belgium back into the game.