Belgium vs Senegal

One of the most dramatic matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup saw Belgium come from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in a match that will be remembered for years — and not just for the football. Senegal were magnificent for large parts of the game. Habib Diarra tapped in an early opener before Ismaïla Sarr produced a moment of sublime skill — controlling a long ball on his chest, holding off his marker and rifling home — to give the Lions of Teranga a commanding lead. With Sadio Mané pulling the strings, Senegal looked on course for a famous win. Then came the Belgian fightback. Romelu Lukaku, making what could be one of his last significant contributions in a Belgium shirt, pulled one back in the 86th minute before Youri Tielemans levelled moments later to force extra time. The decisive moment — and the most controversial of the match — came deep in the second period of extra time, when a penalty was awarded to Belgium after Tielemans went down in the box following a challenge from Lamine Camara, who was already on a yellow card. Senegal players surrounded the referee in fury as Tielemans stepped up and drilled home the winning spot-kick. Belgium's veteran generation — De Bruyne, Lukaku, Courtois — advance to face the USA in the Round of 16 on Monday July 7 in Seattle.