Belgium's Comeback Eliminates Senegal from World Cup

In a dramatic match during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in North America, Belgium's national football team came from behind to defeat Senegal 3-2, thus denying Senegal a spot in the last 16. Senegal initially led the match with two goals from Ismaïla Sarr, who scored in the 35th minute and again in the 86th minute.

However, Belgium equalized with goals from Youri Tielemans in the 89th minute and a penalty in the 125th minute, awarded after a VAR review for a foul inside the box. Tielemans converted the penalty, sealing Belgium's progression to the knockout stage.

Senegal's players expressed their discontent with the penalty decision, recalling a similar controversial incident during the AFCON 2025 final against Morocco. Despite their strong performance, Senegal's journey in the World Cup ended, while Belgium advanced from the group stage with five points.