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Senegal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign came to a heartbreaking end after Belgium staged a dramatic late comeback to secure a 3-2 extra-time victory in their Round of 32 clash.
The defeat sees Senegal become the fifth African nation to exit the tournament, joining South Africa, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tunisia.
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Morocco remain the only African side to have booked a place in the Round of 16 after knocking out the Netherlands on penalties, while Algeria, Egypt, Cape Verde and Ghana are still chasing qualification.
Senegal made an impressive start in Seattle, with Habib Diarra opening the scoring in the 25th minute before Ismaila Sarr doubled the advantage six minutes into the second half, putting the Lions of Teranga firmly in control.
Belgium, however, produced a stunning fightback in the closing stages of regulation time. Substitute Romelu Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute before captain Youri Tielemans levelled the scores three minutes later, forcing the match into extra time.
With penalties appearing inevitable, Belgium earned a spot-kick deep into stoppage time of extra time after Tielemans was brought down in the box. The midfielder calmly converted from the spot in the 120+5th minute to seal a dramatic 3-2 win and send Belgium into the last 16.
Belgium will now take on the United States in the Round of 16 after the Americans defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0.
