Tielemans' 125th-Minute Penalty Caps Belgium Comeback as Red Devils Beat Senegal 3-2 to Reach Last 16

Youri Tielemans scored a penalty in the 125th minute to complete one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as Belgium overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time in Seattle and reach the last 16.

The Aston Villa midfielder was the hero of the night, heading in the equaliser in the 89th minute before stepping up to convert the decisive spot-kick after a VAR review confirmed a foul on him inside the box. 

Belgium looked to be heading out with just four minutes of normal time remaining, trailing 2-0 and having struggled to find a way through an impressive Senegal side. Half-time substitute Romelu Lukaku gave them a lifeline in the 86th minute, flicking the ball over goalkeeper Mory Diaw and into the far corner from close range. Three minutes later, Diaw failed to deal with Leandro Trossard's cross and Tielemans headed home to send the match into extra time.

Senegal had been the better side for much of the contest. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 25th minute, poking home the rebound after Ismaila Sarr's header struck the post. Sarr then made it 2-0 early in the second half with a stunning volley into the top corner after bringing down a ball played over the top.

Belgium's night was not without controversy. Tielemans and Trossard were seen having a heated argument before the second-half hydration break, with Lukaku stepping in to separate them. The match was also briefly interrupted in the 32nd minute when three pitch invaders ran onto the field and had to be removed by a dozen security staff.

The decisive moment came in the 116th minute when Dodi Lukebakio's shot struck the crossbar, and a VAR review awarded Belgium a penalty for a foul on Tielemans as the ball flashed across the box. Tielemans stepped up and calmly fired into the top corner to send Belgium through.

Tielemans completed 54 of 65 passes across 132 minutes and won 7 of 13 duels, adding six ball recoveries and an interception to a performance that blended end product with consistent work rate throughout a draining night.

Belgium will remain in Seattle for their last-16 tie against either the United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday 7 July. 

For Senegal, their tournament is over after a night that saw them within minutes of the last 16 before Belgium's late intervention.