The Belgium national football team pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating the Senegal national football team 3-2 in extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 clash. A 125th-minute penalty from Youri Tielemans sealed the victory and sent the Red Devils into the next round.
For football fans in Tanzania, this was a match full of emotion, surprises, and betting twists—exactly the kind of World Cup drama many punters live for.
Senegal Start Strong and Shock Belgium
Senegal came into this knockout fixture full of confidence after finishing their group strongly, and they wasted no time showing intent. The African giants looked sharp, aggressive, and hungry.
Ismaïla Sarr was at the heart of everything dangerous, first hitting the post before playing a key role in the opening goal. After Sadio Mané delivered a dangerous cross, Habib Diarra reacted quickest to score and give Senegal a deserved lead.
Belgium looked unusually slow, struggling to match Senegal’s pace and intensity. The first half ended with the African side firmly in control.
For Tanzanian football lovers, Senegal’s fast start was a reminder of how African teams continue to challenge the world’s best on the biggest stage.
Ismaila Sarr Makes History
The second half started even better for Senegal.
A long pass from Moussa Niakhaté exposed Belgium’s shaky defense, and Sarr finished brilliantly to make it 2-0. That goal marked his fourth of the tournament, equaling the legendary Roger Milla’s iconic World Cup tally from 1990.
At that point, Belgium looked finished.
Many Tanzanian punters who had backed Senegal at attractive odds must have started celebrating early.
Lukaku Sparks Belgium’s Fightback
Football can change in seconds, and Belgium proved exactly that.
Coach Rudi Garcia turned to his bench, and the impact was immediate. Romelu Lukaku pulled one back with a classic striker’s finish after a perfect cross from Thomas Meunier.
That goal changed everything.
Belgium’s belief returned, and the pressure began to build. Then came the equalizer—Tielemans rose highest to connect with Leandro Trossard’s delivery and level the game.
From 2-0 down to 2-2, Belgium had completely flipped the momentum.
Extra-Time Drama Ends in Heartbreak for Senegal
The extra-time period was full of tension.
Senegal still created chances and nearly won it when Ibrahim Mbaye fired narrowly wide. Belgium also came close through Dodi Lukébakio, whose effort hit the crossbar.
Then came the defining moment.
Deep into stoppage time, VAR awarded Belgium a penalty after Lamine Camara fouled Tielemans inside the box. With the pressure at its highest, Tielemans stayed calm and buried the penalty.
Game over.
Belgium had completed one of the biggest escapes of the tournament.
Belgium Marches On
Belgium now heads to Seattle for their next knockout test, where they will face either the USA or Bosnia & Herzegovina. Their unbeaten run now stretches to 17 matches, and despite concerns about their aging squad, they continue to show resilience.
Players like Lukaku, Tielemans, and Courtois may still have one final shot at international glory.
Bet on the World Cup with Bangbet Tanzania
For Tanzanian football fans looking to make every World Cup match even more exciting, Bangbet offers competitive odds, fast payouts, and a wide range of betting markets for every game.
From correct scores to over/under goals, Bangbet gives you more ways to win as the World Cup heats up. Whether you backed Belgium’s comeback or are preparing for the next big clash, Bangbet remains one of the best platforms for football betting in Tanzania.
Stay tuned for more World Cup match reports, predictions, and expert betting insights.
