World Cup 2026: Belgium clinch qualification in the dying moments

01.07.26 AET World Cup

Belgium

3

:

Senegal

2

Senegal’s dream has come to an end. Just when everyone thought they had secured a place in the World Cup round of 16, the Teranga Lions suffered a heart-stopping defeat to a relentless Belgium. Final score: 2-3 after a last-gasp penalty in extra time.

Senegal started the match in the best possible fashion. In their first-ever encounter with the Red Devils, Pap Tiaw’s men came out firing with intensity and passion.

In the 25th minute, Habib Diarra—already a star in the 5-0 win over Iraq—struck again, opening the scoring. The Lions went into the dressing room with the lead. The second goal came in the 51st minute. After a precise long ball from Moussa Niakhaté, Ismaila Sarr used his blistering pace and rifled a shot past Thibaut Courtois. It was his fourth goal of the 2026 edition, and his fifth in World Cup history, making him Senegal’s all-time top scorer in the tournament.

Senegal led 2-0, but Belgium refused to give in as the Lions began to falter. The legendary Romelu Lukaku revived Belgian hopes in the 86th minute. Moments later, Youri Tielemans levelled it in the 89th, sending the match into extra time at 2-2.
Extra time was tense and physically intense, with neither side able to break the deadlock. Then, the drama peaked. In the 120+5th minute, the referee pointed to the spot for Belgium after a controversial foul in the Senegalese box.
Captain Youri Tielemans stepped up. Calmly and with ice-cold focus, he converted and put Belgium 3-2 ahead. There was no time for a comeback.

The referee blew the final whistle seconds later. Belgium advance to the round of 16, where they will face the winner of the United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina clash.

For Senegal, the disappointment was immense. After a disastrous group stage with a 1-3 loss to France and a 2-3 defeat against Norway, followed by a lifeline 5-0 win, the Teranga Lions couldn’t complete their mission. It’s heartbreak for the team and for the entire African continent.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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