European Red Devils Strike Back! Tielemans' Penalty Seals 3-2 Victory Over Senegal, Belgium Advances to Round of 16

In a thrilling showdown of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32, Belgium faced Senegal in a dramatic clash at Lumen Field in Seattle. The match ended 2-2 in regular time after a hard-fought contest. In extra time, Belgium captain Youri Tielemans converted a penalty to secure a 3-2 victory, earning his team a hard-fought spot in the Round of 16.

Senegal started the match aggressively. In the 14th minute, a cross from the left led to a parry by Thibaut Courtois, and Ismaïla Sarr's follow-up shot hit the post. In the 25th minute, Sadio Mané delivered a precise cross from the left, Ismaïla Sarr's header again struck the woodwork, and Abdou Diallo easily tapped in the rebound to give Senegal a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, Senegal doubled their lead. In the 51st minute, a long ball from the back found Ismaïla Sarr, who controlled it with his chest, drove into the box, and fired home to make it 2-0. Trailing by two goals, Belgium launched a furious comeback. In the 86th minute, Thomas Meunier sent a low cross from the right, and substitute Romelu Lukaku stabbed home from close range to pull one back. Just three minutes later, Leandro Trossard assisted Tielemans for a header, leveling the score at 2-2 in the dying moments of regular time.

After 90 minutes, the match went into extra time. In the dying stages of extra time, Belgium were awarded a penalty, and Tielemans stepped up to calmly convert the spot-kick for the winner. Ultimately, Belgium defeated Senegal 3-2 to advance to the Round of 16, while Senegal were eliminated in the Round of 32.