Youri Tielemans fired home a contentious penalty deep into extra time to snatch victory for Belgium against Senegal in one of the tournament's most stunning reversals. The Aston Villa midfielder stayed cool from the spot in the 125th minute after VAR intervention, sending the Red Devils into the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup with a 3-2 triumph.
Senegal had dominated the clash in Seattle, with Ismaila Sarr and Habib Diarra putting the Lions of Teranga firmly in control at 2-0. Sarr struck the post before Diarra pounced quickest on the rebound after Sadio Mané's cross bounced back off the woodwork.
Belgium's campaign looked finished as regulation time ticked away. Then substitute Romelu Lukaku changed everything by finishing Thomas Meunier's cross in the 86th minute.
Just moments later, Leandro Trossard's ball found Tielemans, who headed the leveller past goalkeeper Mory Diaw to force the additional period. Diaw had kept Belgium at bay through the first half, brilliantly denying Maxim De Cuyper's curling effort.
Tensions simmered among the Belgian players before the second-half break, with Tielemans and Dodi Lukebakio clashing before Lukaku intervened to cool tempers. The drama continued right to the final whistle.
Lukebakio's shot struck the crossbar as extra time drew to a close, but the referee awarded Belgium a spot kick following a lengthy VAR review. Lamine Camara's sliding challenge on Tielemans in the buildup proved decisive.
Tielemans showed nerves of steel to convert and seal an improbable escape. Belgium will now face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the knockout stage.
For Senegal, the defeat brought an agonising end to a memorable run. Pape Thiaw's squad had qualified as one of the eight best third-placed teams after hammering Iraq 5-0, and they'd come agonisingly close to claiming their first World Cup knockout victory since their stunning 2002 campaign.
Belgium's experienced core of Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois lives to fight another day. The Red Devils have kept their hopes alive in a competition that demands resilience and character in equal measure.
