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Belgium’s amazing comeback sends Senegal home from World Cup

Youri Tielemans (8) winds up on his penalty kick to score Belgium's third goal of its 3-2 extra-time win against Senegal in a World Cup round-of-32 knockout match Wednesday at Seattle's Lumen Field. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Youri Tielemans (8) winds up on his penalty kick to score Belgium's third goal of its 3-2 extra-time win against Senegal in a World Cup round-of-32 knockout match Wednesday at Seattle's Lumen Field. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Youri Tielemans (8) winds up on his penalty kick to score Belgium's third goal of its 3-2 extra-time win against Senegal in a World Cup round-of-32 knockout match Wednesday at Seattle's Lumen Field. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

By ANDREW DESTIN / The Associated Press 5 min read

SEATTLE — Belgium overturned a two-goal deficit and scored from the penalty spot deep into extra time to beat Senegal 3-2 on Wednesday in the biggest comeback so far of the 2026 World Cup.

Senegal held a 2-0 lead with just five minutes of regulation time remaining, but late goals by Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans pushed the round-of-32 match at Lumen Field into extra time.

Tielemans completed Belgium’s comeback by converting a penalty kick in the 125th minute of the game — the latest goal in World Cup history.

“Being part of this comeback is a proud moment because I scored the last two goals to give the team the win today,” Tielemans said. “I’m very proud of that to be able to help the team to score goals and bring us over the line.”

He was fouled with only seconds to go and with a penalty shootout looming, and the referee awarded the spot kick after a video review, ignoring protests from Senegal players and coaches.