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World Cup: Tielemans-inspired Belgium pull off stunning comeback against Senegal

A Youri Tielemans-inspired Belgium side lodged a spectacular comeback to overturn a two-goal deficit against Senegal (3-2, AET) and progress to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
L. ENTWISTLE
Published on 07/01/2026 at 22:45
3-minute read
Former Monaco midfielder Tielemans celebrates giving Belgium the lead against Senegal with former Rennes defender Arthur Theate

A Youri Tielemans-inspired Belgium side lodged a spectacular comeback to overturn a two-goal deficit against Senegal (3-2, AET) and progress to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Former Strasbourg captain pounces

Both of these sides struggled in the Group Stages of this year's edition of the World Cup and were reliant on wins on the final matchday in order to secure their progression to the knockouts. 

Belgium drew their first two games of the competition (1-1 versus Egypt, 0-0 v Iran). It meant that the pressure was very much on Rudi Garcia's side heading into their final game against New Zealand, however, they blew the Oceanian side away with five goals (5-1). Lille's Matias Fernandez featured in that success, as did former Monaco midfielder Youri Tielemans and former Rennes defender Arthur Theate. 

Senegal, meanwhile, were in an even more worrying position. Losses against France (3-1) and Norway (3-2) put them on the brink of an exit. Pape Thiaw said that his side were "still alive" following the defeat to the latter and they showed it in some style against Iraq. It was a swashbuckling display from Senegal, who netted five and kept a clean sheet against the Middle Eastern nation. Former Ligue 1 McDonald's players Habib Diarra, Ismaila Sarr, Pape Gueye, and Iliman Ndiaye all got on the scoresheet for Senegal; three of those played for Marseille, whilst the former captained Strasbourg prior to his move to Sunderland.

With both sides prolific in their previous matches, Belgium and Senegal headed into this one with confidence. It was the latter who showed the greater intent and opened the scoring. After an initial headed effort rebounded off the post, former Strasbourg captain Habib Diarra was on hand to tuck home. 

Then came the second. Pape Thiaw's side showed great intent upon the return from the dressing room. The goal came courtesy of an excellent cross-field ball from Lyon defender Moussa Niakhaté. Former Marseille forward Ismaila Sarr latched onto it before dispatching it. 

But Belgium roared back. Romelu Lukaku, in potentially his final World Cup, halved the deficit with the clock ticking down. It was a smart finish, but the Red Devils needed more and time wasn't on their side. But then came a floated ball into the box. Mory Diaw came for it but didn't reach it as Youri Tielemans headed home to send the Belgian fans in attendance into raptures.

The former Monaco midfielder sent the game to extra time. Chances, thereafter, were limited, but then Belgium were presente a glorious one in the dying seconds of extra time. Tielemans was blocked by Monaco's Lamine Camara as he attempted to reach a ball. After a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot, Tielemans converted, and Belgium progressed.

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