Tielemans sends Belgium through in thriller

The comeback that nearly wasn't

Senegal came to this last-32 tie with every reason for confidence — and for long stretches of the match, they looked like the side more likely to be celebrating at the final whistle. Belgium found themselves chasing the game, the sort of position that has historically made the Red Devils look uncomfortable rather than inspired.

But they found a way through. Three goals in a match that required extra time to settle, a five-goal swing that kept everyone watching on edge until Tielemans stepped up late in the additional period. He didn't flinch.

Tielemans: the man for the moment

There is something fitting about Youri Tielemans being the one to settle it. He has spent the better part of his club career being quietly excellent while the noise around him stays muted — and here, on the biggest stage, he converted the penalty that mattered most. No theatrics. Just the ball in the net and Belgium through.

The match swung on moments across 120 minutes — Senegal twice threatening to end Belgian hopes before the Red Devils clawed level and then ahead. The full goal-by-goal sequence is subject to confirmation from a second verified source; this report will be updated with scorer details and minutes once the official FIFA match report or a second independent outlet (BBC Sport, Sky Sports, or ESPN FC) confirms the breakdown.

What comes next

The Red Devils advance to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, carrying the kind of momentum that only a nervy, hard-fought win can generate. Senegal, for their part, will feel the sting of a match that slipped away in extra time — a brutal way to exit any tournament, let alone this one.

Belgium have been here before: the golden generation that never quite delivered the trophy to match the talent. This squad carries different expectations, but the pressure of a knockout stage is the same. Tielemans made sure the conversation continues.

Sources: The Guardian live blog; second independent source pending confirmation — article will be updated on verification.