Dramatic Turnaround in Seattle
Belgium secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Senegal in extra time during their World Cup last 32 clash in Seattle. The match, played early on Thursday, July 2, 2026, saw Belgium rally from a two-goal deficit to keep their tournament hopes alive. The decisive moment came in the 125th minute when Youri Tielemans converted a penalty kick, completing an extraordinary comeback.
Senegal had initially established a commanding lead, with goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr. They appeared to be comfortably progressing to the next round, controlling much of the 90 minutes. However, Belgium mounted a late surge, scoring twice in the final four minutes of regular time to force the match into extra time.
The first half saw Senegal create several dangerous opportunities. Ismaila Sarr nearly opened the scoring when a cross from Ismail Jakobs was parried by Thibaut Courtois, but Sarr’s effort struck the post. Senegal eventually broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. Following a cross from Sadio Mane, Sarr’s header again hit the post, but Diarra was quick to react, slotting the loose ball home from close range.
Belgium struggled to find their rhythm in the first half. Their closest attempt came from Maxim De Cuyper, whose shot forced a good save from Senegal goalkeeper Mory Diaw. Despite the efforts, Belgium trailed at the break.
Second Half and Extra Time Drama
At halftime, Belgium introduced Romelu Lukaku, replacing Charles De Ketelaere. However, this change did not immediately alter the flow of the game, and Senegal soon extended their lead. In the 51st minute, a long pass from Moussa Niakhate found Sarr, who controlled the ball expertly, held off two defenders, and fired it into the net, doubling Senegal’s advantage.
Belgium struggled to create clear-cut chances for much of the second half. The turning point arrived in the final five minutes of regular time when they scored two goals in quick succession. First, Lukaku tapped in Thomas Meunier’s low cross at the near post. Just three minutes later, Tielemans headed home a cross from Leandro Trossard, leveling the score and sending the match into extra time.
The equalizer brought a visible shift in momentum. Tielemans, who had been involved in a heated exchange with Trossard earlier in the match, was central to the comeback. Both teams had opportunities in extra time, but it was Belgium who ultimately secured the victory. A foul on Tielemans in stoppage time of extra time, confirmed after a VAR review, resulted in a penalty. Tielemans stepped up and sent Diaw the wrong way to seal the win.
The outcome was particularly harsh on Senegal, who had been inches away from taking the lead earlier in the game and had struck the woodwork twice. They became the fourth African side to exit the tournament in the last 32 with a narrow defeat, following South Africa, Ivory Coast, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Belgium will now advance to face the winner of the last-32 match between co-hosts United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their next fixture is scheduled for Monday, July 6, 2026, also in Seattle.
Read Also
Source: thehindu.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter