Belgium secured a dramatic place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coming from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in their Round of 32 clash at Seattle Stadium.
Senegal created the better chances early on and nearly took the lead in the 13th minute when Ismaïla Sarr capitalized on a loose ball from Thibaut Courtois, only to see his effort strike the post.
The breakthrough came in the 24th minute as Habib Diarra converted the rebound after another effort hit the woodwork.
At 22 years and 179 days old, Diarra became the youngest African player to score for an African nation in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.
The Lions of Teranga doubled their advantage six minutes into the second half through Ismaïla Sarr, putting Senegal firmly in control.
Belgium mounted a late comeback as Romelu Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute before captain Youri Tielemans leveled the score three minutes later to force extra time.
With the match heading toward a penalty shootout, Tielemans completed the comeback by converting a penalty in the 120th minute, sealing a remarkable 3-2 victory and sending Belgium into the Round of 16.
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