Senegal squander two-goal lead as Belgium fight back to grab a later winner

Senegal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended devastatingly after the Lions of Teranga surrendered a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 to Belgium following extra time in a dramatic Round of 32 clash in Seattle.

The African giants appeared to be cruising into the Round of 16 after dominating much of the contest, only for Belgium to produce a remarkable late comeback before sealing victory with a dramatic penalty deep into added extra time.

The painful defeat ends Senegal’s World Cup journey, while Belgium advance to the Round of 16, where they will face either hosts USA or Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 6.

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Senegal made an energetic start, repeatedly exposing Belgium’s defence through the pace and creativity of captain Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye.

The Lions nearly took the lead when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois pushed a deflected cross into the path of Ismaila Sarr. The forward struck the post before firing the rebound wide from close range.

Their relentless pressure finally paid off moments later.

After Sarr once again hit the woodwork, Mane delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area. Sarr rose highest to win the aerial duel before Habib Diarra reacted quickest to the rebound, smashing home to give Senegal a deserved 1-0 lead.

Senegal continued to dictate proceedings after the restart and doubled their lead through the outstanding Ismaila Sarr.

Defender Moussa Niakhaté produced a perfectly weighted long pass that split Belgium’s defence. Sarr controlled the ball brilliantly with his chest before calmly finishing beyond Courtois to put the Lions of Teranga 2-0 ahead.

At that stage, Senegal looked firmly on course for a place in the last 16.

Belgium, however, refused to surrender.

Substitutes Thomas Meunier and Romelu Lukaku combined to pull one goal back in the closing stages, breathing new life into the European side.

Moments later, Youri Tielemans headed home from a Leandro Trossard cross to level the match at 2-2 and force extra time, stunning the Senegalese players and supporters.

With penalties appearing inevitable, Belgium completed one of the tournament’s most dramatic comebacks.

Following a VAR review, Belgium were awarded a penalty after Tielemans was brought down inside the box during added time of extra time.

The midfielder confidently converted from the spot to complete a remarkable turnaround and send Senegal crashing out of the competition.