A team trailing by two goals with only four minutes left would normally be heading home. But at the 2026 World Cup, Belgium turned that script upside down against Senegal, scoring twice in stoppage time to force extra time, then winning on a record-breaking penalty. It was the latest any side has come back from a two-goal deficit in regulation time in World Cup history, and the winning spot-kick was the latest goal ever scored in the tournament (124 minutes 44 seconds).
Belgium’s remarkable escape came in the last-32 round, the knockout stage that follows the group phase. Senegal had dominated for 70 minutes, leading 2-0 through goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr. But Romelu Lukaku, a striker who had played only 69 minutes of club football the previous season, sparked the revival with an 86th-minute flick. Three minutes later, Youri Tielemans rose to head in an equaliser from Leandro Trossard’s cross. The match went to extra time, and in the 125th minute, a VAR review awarded Belgium a penalty for a Lamine Camara challenge on Tielemans. The captain stepped up and converted, sending Senegal out and making history.
“Belgium's historic comeback vs Senegal illustrates World Cup knockout drama and record-breaking moments.”
The World Cup has always been a stage for comebacks and late drama, but this one stood out. No team had ever trailed by two or more goals as late in regulation time and still avoided defeat. The record previous latest goal was held by another dramatic moment. The referee, Honduras’s Said Martinez, also attracted attention for wearing an orange shirt with prominent shoulder pads, which fans mocked on social media. Senegal supporters felt they were denied by controversial calls, particularly the equaliser, where Tielemans appeared to push his marker, and the penalty decision.
For UK readers, this match mattered because it highlighted the unpredictable nature of knockout football. England themselves had to come from behind earlier that day to beat DR Congo 2-1, thanks to a Harry Kane double. The drama also reignited debates about VAR, which remains a talking point among fans. The fact that Belgium could turn a seemingly hopeless situation into victory shows why the World Cup’s knockout rounds are so compelling.
Q: What is the latest goal scored in World Cup history? Youri Tielemans’ penalty for Belgium against Senegal in the 125th minute (124 minutes 44 seconds) is the latest goal ever scored in a World Cup match, surpassing previous records.
Q: What was the controversy in the Belgium vs Senegal match? Senegal fans felt they were robbed because of contentious calls: Tielemans may have pushed a defender before his equalising header, and the penalty for a foul by Lamine Camara was deemed soft. VAR reviewed both but upheld the decisions.
Q: How can a team come back from 2-0 down in the World Cup? It is rare but possible. Belgium’s comeback was the latest any team has trailed by two goals in regulation time and still avoided defeat. Key factors include impactful substitutions (like Lukaku), set-pieces, and mental resilience under pressure.
Belgium now advance to the last 16, while Senegal exit the tournament, adding to their pain after losing the Africa Cup of Nations title earlier this year. The World Cup knockout stages continue, with more drama expected as teams chase glory.