{"id":19537,"date":"2026-07-02T08:28:04","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T02:43:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=19537"},"modified":"2026-07-02T08:28:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T02:43:04","slug":"belgium-reach-last-16-after-dramatic-comeback-win-over-senegal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=19537","title":{"rendered":"Belgium Reach Last 16 After Dramatic Comeback Win Over Senegal<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kathmandu. Belgium have advanced to the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after producing a dramatic comeback victory over Senegal.<\/p>\n

In a highly competitive Round of 32 match played in Seattle, Belgium defeated Senegal 3-2 after extra time. Youri Tielemans scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the dying moments of the game, completing a remarkable comeback for Belgium from the brink of defeat.<\/p>\n

The match appeared almost certain to head into a penalty shootout. However, in the final moments of extra time, Senegal\u2019s Lamine Camara brought down Tielemans inside the box. After a Video Assistant Referee review, Belgium were awarded a penalty. Tielemans calmly converted the opportunity to seal an incredible win.<\/p>\n

Earlier, Senegal had made a strong start to the match. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the first half, giving Senegal the lead. Ismaila Sarr then added another goal early in the second half, putting Senegal two goals ahead and seemingly in control of the contest.<\/p>\n

But Belgium staged an unexpected comeback late in the game. Romelu Lukaku pulled one goal back in the 86th minute, giving Belgium hope. Minutes later, Tielemans headed in the equalizer, forcing the match into extra time.<\/p>\n

Both teams created chances in extra time, but Belgium made the decisive breakthrough at the final moment. Tielemans showed composure under intense pressure and converted the penalty, leaving Senegal stunned.<\/p>\n

With the win, Belgium have booked their place in the last 16 of the World Cup. They will now face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place in the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n

The defeat brought Senegal\u2019s World Cup campaign to a disappointing end. The African powerhouse had controlled much of the match but failed to hold on in the closing stages.<\/p>\n

For Belgium, the victory was not only a passage into the next round but also a powerful display of resilience and experience under pressure. After falling two goals behind, Belgium refused to give up and recorded one of the most thrilling comebacks of the tournament.<\/p>\n

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