Belgium Stages Incredible Comeback Against Senegal in FIFA World Cup 2026

Belgium vs Senegal: A Thrilling Encounter

In a gripping Round of 32 clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Belgium faced off against Senegal at Seattle Stadium on Wednesday night, according to Indian time. Belgium adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Senegal chose a 4-3-3 setup. The match turned out to be one of the most exciting of the tournament so far.

This match was nothing short of a midnight thriller! Belgium showcased their resilience by coming back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-2 victory, thus advancing to the Round of 16.

Belgium's starting lineup featured notable players such as Thibaut Courtois, Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate, Maxim De Cuyper, Youri Tielemans, Hans Vanaken, Jérémy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard, and Charles De Ketelaere. Senegal's squad included Mory Diaw, Krépin Diatta, Pathé Ciss, Moussa Niakhaté, Ismail Jakobs, Habib Diarra, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaïla Sarr, and Sadio Mané.

The action kicked off in the 9th minute with Belgium launching the first offensive play. Timothy Castagne assisted Leandro Trossard, whose right-footed attempt from the right side of the box was thwarted by Senegal's goalkeeper, Mory Diaw. Senegal responded quickly in the 13th minute, with Ismaïla Sarr hitting the post, followed by another shot that went off-target.

In the 17th minute, Idrissa Gueye's attempt was saved by Courtois. Belgium countered swiftly, but Kevin De Bruyne's shot went wide. Senegal soon took control of the match.

In the 24th minute, Sadio Mané delivered a perfect cross, leading to Ismaïla Sarr's header hitting the post. However, Habib Diarra capitalized on the rebound, scoring with a right-footed shot to put Senegal ahead 1-0.

Senegal maintained their pressure, with Sadio Mané's shot collected safely by Courtois in the 37th minute. Belgium had a chance just before halftime, but Maxim De Cuyper's shot was saved.

As the first half concluded, Sadio Mané fouled Jérémy Doku, resulting in a free-kick that was blocked by Senegal's defense. The first half ended with Senegal leading 1-0.

The second half began with Belgium substituting Romelu Lukaku for Charles De Ketelaere. Senegal soon found another goal in the 51st minute when Moussa Niakhaté played a through ball to Ismaïla Sarr, who scored with a powerful shot, extending Senegal's lead to 2-0.

Belgium responded with two substitutions, bringing on Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Raskin. In the 60th minute, Lukebakio's shot was blocked by Senegal's defense, which became increasingly vigilant with their two-goal advantage.

Senegal made a substitution as well, introducing Lamine Camara, who received a yellow card shortly after entering the field. Belgium's Lukebakio missed another chance in the 78th minute, but the match took a dramatic turn soon after.

In the 86th minute, Thomas Meunier, who replaced Maxim De Cuyper, assisted Romelu Lukaku, who scored with a right-footed shot, reigniting Belgium's hopes. The game intensified as Belgium pressed for an equalizer. In the 89th minute, Leandro Trossard's cross found Youri Tielemans, who scored with a header, leveling the match at 2-2.

With no winner in regular time, the match proceeded to extra time. Both teams played cautiously in the first half, but the second half saw more attacking play. Belgium's Raskin and Senegal's Ibrahima M'baye both missed opportunities.

In the 113th minute, Courtois made a crucial save. The excitement peaked when Lamine Camara fouled Tielemans in the penalty area. After a VAR review, a penalty was awarded. In the 125th minute, Tielemans converted the penalty, sealing a 3-2 victory for Belgium and securing their place in the next round.