Belgium is remarkable FIFA World Cup The 2026 comeback against Senegal featured more than late goals and dramatic VAR decisions. Before the Red Devils produced one of the greatest turnarounds in World Cup elimination history, striker Romelu Lukaku was forced to step in and separate two of his team-mates during a fiery clash on the pitch.Trailing 0-2 until the 86th minute of their match of 32 in Seattle, Belgium looked destined for elimination. Frustration rose between the players, with captain Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard engaged in a heated exchange before Lukaku stepped in to calm tempers.Ironically, the three players at the center of the incident combined to script Belgium’s unforgettable escape.
Lukaku the peacemaker before Belgium’s dramatic revival
Senegal had dominated most of the contest and looked comfortable after first-half and early second-half goals put them firmly in control. As Belgium’s hopes faded, emotions ran high, prompting Lukaku to separate Tielemans and Trossard before the situation escalated.Moments later, the experienced striker sparked the comeback by pulling one home in the 86th minute.Just three minutes later, Trossard delivered a cross into the penalty area, where Tielemans rose to head home the equalizer and force extra time, completing an extraordinary turnaround in regulation.
VAR drama and record winner
Belgium completed the comeback in dramatic fashion in extra time. With a penalty shootout looming, Lamine Camara brought down Tielemans in the area. After a lengthy VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot despite furious protests from Senegal players, who delayed the restart surrounding the penalty area.After nearly seven minutes of drama, Tielemans confidently fired his penalty into the top corner in the 125th minute – the last goal ever scored in FIFA World Cup history – to seal a stunning 3-2 victory.The victory also made Belgium only the second team in the last 11 FIFA World Cups to recover from a two-goal deficit in a knockout match, matching their famous comeback against Japan in 2018. The Red Devils now face the United States in the Round of 16 as confidence grows after one of the most dramatic victories of the tournament.
