Belgium achieved the almost impossible in Seattle, turning the tide of the match against Senegal and winning 3-2 after overtime in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Youri Tielemans' goal in the 125th minute meant that the Red Devils advanced, after losing two goals in regular time. The match in Seattle started disastrously for the players, who quickly found themselves in an unfavorable position.
Senegal, playing with incredible determination, took advantage of their opponents' positioning errors and took a 2-0 lead. It seemed that the fate of the match was sealed, but Belgium did not intend to give up. In the second half, a different motivation appeared on the pitch, and Thibaut Courtois kept the chance to get back into the game alive with several key interventions.
The equalizer was 2-2 in the last minutes, forcing the teams to overtime. This match was proof that African football is no longer just an exotic addition, but a force to be reckoned with. Senegal controlled a large part of the match, and the attitudes of players such as Ismaila Sarr and Habib Diarra caused huge problems for the opponents' defense.
On the other hand, Belgium has proven that it can fight until the end, even when everything is in doubt. This character could be key later in the tournament. Thanks to this win, Belgium qualified for the 1/8 finals of the World Cup, where their rival will be the winner of the clash between the USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Senegal says goodbye to the tournament with its head held high, leaving a great impression. For the Red Devils, however, this is only the beginning of the fight for medals, and this match may become a turning point in their championship campaign. The match in Seattle was one of the most exciting in the knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup.
Overtime lasting until the 125th minute was a testimony to the enormous tension and fight of both teams. For fans of both sides, it was a display of football that showed that the World Cup is not only about technique, but also about fight, determination and the ability to cope in the most difficult moments. A tactical analysis of the match reveals that Senegal focused on aggressive high pressing, which surprised Belgium in the first 20 minutes.
The Belgians, accustomed to having the ball, had problems with their play, which allowed Senegal to quickly score two goals. Only a change to a more defensive formation and the introduction of Romelu Lukaku in the second half allowed the Red Devils to regain their balance. Lukaku, although he did not score, made the game much more difficult for Senegal with his movement and pressure on the defense.
The reactions after the match were clear: media around the world emphasized not only the drama of the match, but also the high level of both teams. Commentators pointed out how Senegal, despite the defeat, proved that African football was entering the world's top ranks. In turn, for Belgium, this match became a mental test that showed that the team can win in the most difficult moments.
This match is part of the broader trend of the 2026 World Cup, where teams from less traditional football regions are gaining importance. Even though Senegal was eliminated, they proved that they can play at the highest level, which may encourage other African teams to even more ambitious goals in future tournaments. In turn, Belgium, which has been considered one of the title favorites for years, has shown that it can fight even in the most difficult moments.
Their ability to make up for losses may prove crucial later in the tournament. For fans of both teams, the match in Seattle was a football lesson that showed that the World Cup is not only a spectacle, but also a test of character. Overtime until the 125th minute and the dramatic finale are proof that football can still surprise.
For Belgium, it is another step in the fight for the title, and for Senegal - proof that African football has a real chance to break into the world's top. What's next? In the round of 16, Belgium will face the winner of USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina.
At stake is advancement to the quarterfinals, and the Red Devils will have to maintain the same fighting spirit that allowed them to win against Senegal. For Belgium, it is a chance to erase the bad impression from previous tournaments, and for their rival - an opportunity to show that they can surprise the favorite. Read at Interia Sport
Why this matters
This match was a test of character for both teams and a symbol of the changing forces in world football. Senegal proved that Africa is no longer a second-rate continent by dominating much of the match against favored Belgium. In turn, the Red Devils showed that experience and a winning mentality allow them to survive the worst moments. Coming back from 0-2 in the knockout phase of the World Cup is a rarity that builds a legend and gives impetus for the next rounds. This match may prove to be a turning point not only in this edition of the championship, but also in the perception of African football on the global stage. The 2026 World Cup is therefore becoming a tournament in which traditional hierarchies are increasingly questioned and African football is entering the mainstream of world football.
Frequently asked
Who scored the winning goal for Belgium?
Youri Tielemans scored the winning goal in the 125th minute of extra time. His goal allowed Belgium to advance to the 1/8 finals of the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic match in Seattle.
What was the result of the Belgium - Senegal match?
Belgium won against Senegal 3-2 after extra time. The Red Devils were already losing 0-2, but they managed to make up for the loss and finally triumph in this exciting match of the 1/16 finals.
Who will Belgium play in the next round?
In the 1/8 finals of the World Cup, Belgium will face the winner of the match between the USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This rival will be selected after the end of the remaining matches in this group.
Where was the Belgium - Senegal match held?
The match was played in Seattle as part of the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The match ended with incredible drama and a goal in the last seconds of overtime.
What were the key tactical moments in the match?
Senegal put on high pressure, which surprised Belgium in the first 20 minutes and led to two quick goals. The Belgians changed their formation to a more defensive one, and the introduction of Romelu Lukaku allowed them to regain balance. Thibaut Courtois' interventions in the second half were also key.
Why is this match considered one of the most exciting in the 2026 World Cup?
Overtime lasting until the 125th minute, a dramatic comeback from 0:2 and the winning goal in the last seconds made this match one of the most exciting in the knockout phase of the tournament.
