Five Things We Learned from Belgium 3-2 Senegal

Five Things We Learned from Belgium 3-2 Senegal

An utterly stunning affair in Seattle saw Belgium overturn a 2-0 deficit late on to send the game into extra-time before winning it with a penalty right at the end of the additional 30 to earn a gigantic 3-2 victory.

Here are five things we learned from this outrageous clash.

1. Did Kiwis Win Provided False Hope?

A bit of both really.

Whether or not the result reflects this statement doesn't undermine its credibility. Belgium were shocking for much of that game today and looked toothless going forward and rather lazy in the middle third.

They drew their first two games of the group stage, against Egypt and Iran respectively, getting bailed out in both games by some massive moments and controversial decisions.

Against Egypt, it was Romelu Lukaku who came off the bench and made an impact almost immediately, scoring the equaliser mere moments after entering the field.

A few days later against Iran, it was much the same - boring and out of ideas. They managed to draw 1-1 again, but it wasn't without drama. The AFC nation had a goal disallowed for offside - a decision FIFA later apologised for. But the damage was already done as the Iranians exited at the same stage.

Then onto New Zealand where they finally seemed to have their act together, earning a comfortable 5-1 which saw them leap Egypt on goal difference to top the standings. They probably wish they hadn't, however; rather than having Australia in the Round of 32, they earned a tie with Senegal - AFCON runners-up, and we know the rest.

Belgium are level! 😱

Youri Tielemans to the rescue as Belgium complete a dramatic late comeback 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/LmlCLcx6Gt

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 1, 2026

For 95% of that clash, they were woeful. But late World Cup magic never disappoints, and Belgium certainly took advantage of that lifeline.

2. Stunning Finish in Vein

It may have been a defeat that will leave Senegal licking their wounds for quite some time, but there is no arguing what the best goal of the game and potentially the round was.

Ismaila Sarr had a brilliant game for his nation, and looked like he had pushed them through to a much deserved victory.

After heading off the post to set up the opener, Sarr played an incredible role which almost (and should have) sealed the deal.

He took a brilliant ball from Moussa Niakhate on the chest, positioned himself between two Belgian centre-halves perfectly. The touch that followed gave him the optimal position facing the goal to leave himself time to set himself and calmly slot past Thibaut Courtois.

3. Balls of Steel

After 90 minutes of utter horrific football from the Red Devils, it was the captain the stood tall late on.

Tempers were flaring evidently during the second hydration break, with Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard clashing on the sidelines after the break was called.

However, after those two linked up well in the dying moments of regular time, there was nothing but hugs and appreciation for the part they both played in that miraculous comeback.

For Tielemans to then later step for the most important spot-kick of his life, and score to complete this monumentous feat, it was a moment he will not forget for a long time.

Comeback complete! 🤯

Youri Tielemans scores from the penalty spot to complete the turnaround in extra time 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/7orZTm5WTt

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 1, 2026

4. Gamble Paid Off

As much as Belgium looked like they were running out ideas rapidly and fast-tracking themselves to a miserable defeat, Rudi Garcia decided to take off both Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne with over half an hour to go.

With that much time left to make that big of a call, it would've looked like Garcia was giving in early to be taking off that much talent.

Who is laughing now though? Belgium came alive late on, and the moments when arguably two of their greatest players weren't even on the pitch shows that Belgium still have what it takes to make another magical run at the World Cup.

5. A World Cup Classic

"Stop that if you dare!" 🤯

Ismaïla Sarr with an incredible touch and finish 🇸🇳⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ns2tTX1MKA

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 1, 2026

We have seen many extraordinary matches over the years throughout the history of the competition, but it is very rare to see a game with that much drama.

Until the 85th minute, the result was surely a forgegone conclusion. Belgium were offering absolutely nothing going forward and Senegal were outplaying them in every department.

But quality and experience eventually showed and came in clutch as their elite stars struck gold twice to turn things around as miraculously as England did earlier on today.

Despite both DR Congo and Senegal have the lead for 133 minutes of a possible 210, neither side won and both European nations progress.