Belgium “returned” from the… hell of Senegal’s 0-2, took the match to extra time with two goals in the 86th and 89th minutes and a penalty by Tielemans in the 5th minute of injury time (125′), achieved an incredible turnaround with 3-2 and got the “ticket” to the “16” of the 2026 World Cup.

After missing an incredible opportunity with Ismaila Sarr in the 13th minute (he sent the ball against the post and then, while down, made a shot that went wide), Senegal opened the scoring in the 25th minute with Habib Diarra, who took the “rebound” after Sarr’s header hit the post and made it 1-0.

In the 51st minute, after a terrific 40-meter ball from Diat, Ismaila Sarr made a tremendous control with his chest on the move and with a “cannon” left no room for Courtois to make it 2-0.

Belgium looked for a reaction after Rudi Garcia’s quick substitutions and found it in the final minutes of normal time. In the 86th minute, after a Meunier cross, Lukaku reduced the score to 1-2, while in the 89th minute, after a tragic exit by Dio (on a cross by Trossard), Tielemans equalized to 2-2 amidst wild celebrations.

In extra time, Belgium won a penalty. At the suggestion of Mexican VAR Pacheco, referee Said Martinez went to an on-field review and showed the last of the penalties a penalty after Camara marked Tielemans, while Lukebaki sent the ball over the crossbar and out.

Tielemans took the shot and did not miss the white dot, making it 3-2 for Belgium amidst wild celebrations.

Referee : Said Martinez (Honduras)
Yellow cards : 64′ Mechele, 90′ Rudi Garcia (on the bench) – 67′ Camara

The lineups of the two teams:
BELGIUM (Rudi Garcia): Courtois, Castagne, Mechele, Teat, De Kuyper (79′ Meunier), Vanaken (63′ Moreira), De Bruyne (56′ Raskin), Tielemans, Trochard (109′ Onana), Dokou (56′ Lukebakiyo), De Ketelare.
SENEGAL (Pape Thiao): Dio, Jacobs (93′ Diouf), Niacate, Cisse, Diatta, P. Geig (66′ Camara), I. Geig (96′ Sapoko Entiaye), Diarra (73′ Pape Matar Sar), Mane (93′ Jackson), Entiaye (73′ Mbaye), Ismaila Sar.