Belgium complete latest-ever World Cup winner to beat Senegal and reach Round of 16

Belgium staged one of the most dramatic comebacks in World Cup history on Wednesday night, overturning a 2-0 deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 in extra time and advance to the Round of 16 in Seattle. Youri Tielemans’ 125th-minute penalty, awarded after VAR review, sealed the victory and sent the Red Devils into a clash with hosts the United States on Sunday .
Senegal had dominated the first half, with Lamine Camara and Sadio Mané combining to put the Teranga Lions 2-0 up by the 38th minute in front of a stunned crowd at Lumen Field. But Belgium, coached by Rudi Garcia, refused to capitulate. Romelu Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute, and Tielemans equalised three minutes later with a header from a Kevin De Bruyne corner. The drama escalated in stoppage time when Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy misjudged a De Bruyne cross, allowing Tielemans to poke home and force extra time .
The latest-ever World Cup winner came in the 125th minute, when Tielemans coolly converted the penalty after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Tielemans by Senegal’s Lamine Camara inside the box. The decision sparked furious protests from Senegal players, but the goal stood. Belgium’s 3-2 triumph means they will face the United States in the next round, while Senegal’s tournament ends in heartbreak after a dominant display .
The result caps a remarkable night for European sides in North America. England also survived a scare, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice in the final 10 minutes to rescue a 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta. Kane’s double, including a 90th-minute penalty, kept the Three Lions’ campaign alive and sets up a Round of 16 tie with Mexico .
Meanwhile, the United States secured their place in the Round of 16 with a 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in San Francisco, despite Folarin Balogun being sent off in the 60th minute. Malik Tillman’s free-kick and a second goal from Christian Pulisic ensured the hosts progress to face Belgium on Sunday in a blockbuster last-16 clash .
Belgium’s victory, described by Belgian media as “historic” and “miraculous,” marks the latest-ever World Cup winner and the greatest comeback in tournament history. Senegal, who had never lost a World Cup match after leading at half-time, exit the tournament with their heads held high but rueing missed chances and VAR controversies. For Belgium, the drama is far from over as they prepare to face a fired-up United States side in a potential quarter-final berth decider .
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