The revival began in the 86th minute with a goal from Romelu Lukaku, sparking hope among fans as he narrowed the gap. Just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans showcased his scoring instinct in the 89th minute, reacting quickly to a low cross and netting the equalizer.

This pivotal moment led to extra time after an astonishing finish in regular time.

Tielemans Emerges as the Hero

In the ensuing extra time, both teams fought hard, creating multiple opportunities. Senegal threatened with counterattacks, but Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made crucial saves to maintain parity.

The decisive moment unfolded in the dying minutes of extra time when Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervention resulted in a penalty for Belgium, awarded by referee Hector Martinez in the 122nd minute.

Under immense pressure, Tielemans stepped up and smoothly converted the penalty in the 120+5th minute, completing Belgium’s extraordinary turnaround and sealing the dramatic 3-2 win.

Belgium Moves Forward to Quarterfinals

Senegal pushed hard for a late equalizer, but Belgium held their nerve to defend their slender lead.

This victory propels Belgium into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals where they will face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

With their unwavering spirit and attacking talent, Belgium reaffirms their status as one of the tournament favorites as they chase World Cup glory, while Senegal’s journey ends with pride in their commendable display and disciplined approach throughout their campaign.

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