--- title: "Belgium stun Senegal with stoppage-time strikes, penalties to reach World Cup Round of 16" description: "Two goals in added time forced extra time, then a shootout sealed Belgium’s dramatic 16th-round berth in Qatar 2026 qualifying." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/fu-ball-wm-2026-belgien-gegen-senegal-spektakul-r-ins-achte-efb1ac96 published: 2026-07-03T07:46:12.455+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T07:46:12.455+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Belgium stun Senegal with stoppage-time strikes, penalties to reach World Cup Round of 16 > Two goals in added time forced extra time, then a shootout sealed Belgium’s dramatic 16th-round berth in Qatar 2026 qualifying. Belgium erased a Senegal lead with two stoppage-time goals to force extra time and then edged past Senegal on penalties, securing a dramatic 4-3 shootout victory and a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The match turned on its head in added time at Lusail Stadium on June 29, 2024. Senegal had controlled large spells, and Ismaïla Sarr’s 30th-minute penalty put them ahead. Belgium’s response arrived in the 90th minute when Romelu Lukaku slotted home a low drive after a rapid counter, sparking wild celebrations. Then, in the 93rd minute, Charles De Ketelaere curled a first-time effort into the top corner to force extra time and leave Senegal shell-shocked. In extra time, both sides tested the goalkeeper but neither could find the net. The tension peaked in the shootout. Senegal converted their first four penalties, but Thibaut Courtois guessed Sarr’s fifth attempt and palmed it away. Belgium’s fifth was calmly dispatched by Kevin De Bruyne, sealing a 5-4 shootout triumph and a 4-3 aggregate win. Belgium’s players erupted after the final whistle. “We never gave up, not for one second,” said De Bruyne. “The fans deserve this.” Senegal coach Aliou Cissé admitted his side were undone by the late drama. “We controlled the game but football can be cruel,” he said. The win underscored Belgium’s resilience under pressure, a trait that has often eluded them in major tournaments. Despite a patchy qualifying campaign, their ability to conjure moments of brilliance in the dying embers of matches suggests a squad rediscovering its identity. The late strikes also highlighted Belgium’s tactical flexibility, shifting from a cautious start to an aggressive, high-tempo approach that unsettled Senegal’s backline. Senegal, meanwhile, leave Qatar with their heads held high but questions over their mental fortitude in high-stakes moments. Their dominance in possession and territory didn’t translate into goals in key phases, and the shootout collapse exposed a vulnerability that could haunt them in future campaigns. The defeat also marks a missed opportunity for a side brimming with talent to stamp their authority in the qualifiers. The tactical chessboard tilted dramatically in the final 15 minutes. Belgium’s substitution of Johan Bakayoko for Dodi Lukebakio in the 78th minute injected pace and directness, a move that destabilised Senegal’s right flank. The introduction of Johan Bakayoke also allowed Belgium to switch to a 3-4-3 shape, pressing higher and forcing Senegal into deeper positions. This structural shift, combined with the individual brilliance of Lukaku and De Ketelaere, turned a controlled Senegal performance into a chaotic finale. Senegal’s set-piece threat, a hallmark of their campaign, was neutralised by Belgium’s disciplined marking and Courtois’ commanding presence in the air. Despite 14 corners in the first half, Senegal managed just two shots on target before the 90th minute, exposing a lack of cutting edge in transition. Their inability to convert dominance into clear-cut chances underlined the fine margins that separate winners from also-rans in knockout football. What’s next: Belgium will face the Group H runner-up in the Round of 16, with the fixture scheduled for July 3, 2024, at Education City Stadium. A place in the quarter-finals awaits the winners. ## Why this matters Belgium’s late surge exposed Senegal’s defensive frailties and proved once more that knockout football can flip in a heartbeat, turning a potential exit into a tournament-defining spectacle. The result also reignited debates about Belgium’s tournament pedigree, with their ability to grind out wins in tight games now central to their narrative ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The tactical adjustments in the dying minutes and Senegal’s inability to adapt under pressure added another layer to the narrative, framing this as a case study in high-stakes football management and mental resilience. ## Frequently asked ### When and where did Belgium vs Senegal take place? The match was played on June 29, 2024, at Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar, as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF third round. ### What was the score before stoppage time? Senegal led 1-0 through Ismaïla Sarr’s 30th-minute penalty before Belgium’s dramatic equaliser in the 90th minute. ### Who scored Belgium’s stoppage-time goals? Romelu Lukaku levelled in the 90th minute, then Charles De Ketelaere struck in the 93rd to force extra time. ### How did Belgium win the penalty shootout? Belgium converted all five spot-kicks; Senegal missed their fifth attempt, with Thibaut Courtois saving Sarr’s attempt to seal the win. ### What does this result mean for Belgium’s World Cup 2026 campaign? Belgium advance to the Round of 16 as group winners, keeping their 2026 campaign alive with a statement victory. ### How did Senegal’s performance in the match compare to their overall campaign? Senegal dominated possession and territory but lacked clinical finishing in key moments, a pattern that continued in the shootout collapse. ## Sources & Citations - [Fußball-WM 2026: Belgien gegen Senegal spektakulär ins Achtelfinale](https://www.faz.net/aktuell/sport/fussball-wm/fussball-wm-2026-belgien-gegen-senegal-spektakulaer-ins-achtelfinale-200977911.html) — GNews.io (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Belgium stun Senegal with stoppage-time strikes, penalties to reach World Cup Round of 16. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/fu-ball-wm-2026-belgien-gegen-senegal-spektakul-r-ins-achte-efb1ac96