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2026 FIFA World Cup
2JUL

Belgium survive Senegal in 125 mins

2 min read
10:39UTC

Senegal led Belgium 2-0 and still lost 3-2, Youri Tielemans burying the winning penalty in the 125th minute in Seattle.

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Key takeaway

Belgium overturned a 2-0 deficit against Senegal, winning 3-2 on Tielemans' penalty in the 125th minute.

Youri Tielemans scored a penalty in the 125th minute to complete Belgium's 3-2 extra-time comeback against Senegal in Seattle on 1 July 1. Senegal had led 2-0 until the 51st minute; Belgium drew level with goals in the 86th and 89th before winning it in the second period of extra time 2.

Tielemans, the Aston Villa midfielder, held his nerve from the spot after almost the full two hours of play. Senegal, who had reached the knockouts through the best third-placed race , were minutes from the last 16 with a two-goal cushion. Belgium, counted among the pre-tournament contenders, had looked bound for the exit that already claimed Germany and the Netherlands.

Belgium became one of the few sides to overturn a two-goal knockout deficit, and they needed a 125th-minute penalty to manage it. They spent close to 35 minutes of extra time on the pitch to avoid going out, a physical toll that carries into a last-16 tie only days away. Senegal, having conceded three times in under 40 minutes after controlling the first hour, went out as the round's most painful collapse.

Deep Analysis

In plain English

Belgium beat Senegal 3-2, but only after extra time, an additional 30 minutes played when a knockout match is level after the normal 90. Senegal led 2-0 before Belgium fought back to force extra time, then won it with a penalty from Youri Tielemans in the 125th minute, close to the very end of the additional period. Coming back from two goals down in a match that could end a team's tournament is unusual. It requires both a technical response, changing how the team plays, and simply outlasting the opponent physically over 120 minutes of football. Senegal's exit, having led for most of the match, is one of the more painful ways to leave a World Cup.

First Reported In

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The Athletic· 2 Jul 2026
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