Belgium advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time win over Senegal in the first round of the playoffs. The match took place at Lumen Field in Seattle, USA. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
World Cup 2026, Round of 16, July 1, Seattle, Lumen Field. Belgium – Senegal 3:2 a.e.t. (0:2, 2:2). Goals: Lukaku 86 (1:2), Tielemans 89 (2:2), Tielemans 120+5, penalty (3:2) — Sarr 5 (0:1), Diarra 24 (0:2).
Senegal started the match aggressively and took the lead in the 5th minute through a precise strike by Ismaïla Sarr. In the 24th minute, Habib Diarra doubled the African team's advantage, putting Belgium in a very difficult position.
Senegal controlled the game until the final minutes of regulation time and were close to advancing to the Round of 16. However, Belgium staged an impressive comeback. In the 86th minute, Romelu Lukaku reduced the deficit, and three minutes later, Youri Tielemans equalized, sending the match into extra time.
In the 32nd minute, the match was briefly stopped after several fans, including a person of short stature, ran onto the field. Security personnel quickly detained the intruders, and the match resumed.
The winner was decided in the final seconds of extra time. After a video review (VAR), referee Said Martinez awarded a penalty to Belgium for a foul on Youri Tielemans. The midfielder himself stepped up and converted the spot kick in the 120+5th minute, completing a brace and sending Belgium to the Round of 16 of the World Cup.
In the next round of the playoffs, Belgium will face the winner of the USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match.