Tielemans Strikes in 122nd Minute as Belgium Survive Senegal Scare in World Cup Thriller

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered its fair share of shocks, but few matches will be remembered as vividly as Belgium's jaw-dropping 3-2 victory over Senegal. As reported by Guardian Football, what began as a nightmare for the Red Devils culminated in a miraculous, albeit controversial, escape act that will be debated for years to come. For 85 minutes, Belgium was staring down the barrel of a stunning early elimination. Senegal, playing with fierce intensity and tactical discipline, had established a commanding 2-0 lead thanks to brilliant strikes from Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr. The Belgian squad looked completely out of ideas, seemingly destined to join the likes of Germany and the Netherlands in making unexpectedly early exits from the tournament. However, Rudi Garcia’s side refused to die. A half-time substitution proved to be the ultimate turning point, as Romelu Lukaku spearheaded a dramatic late revival. In a breathtaking three-minute blitz during second-half stoppage time, Lukaku halved the deficit, setting the stage for Youri Tielemans to miraculously level the scoring and force extra time in an absolute seesawing classic. As the grueling contest ticked into the 122nd minute, players from both sides were out on their feet, bracing for the inevitable cruelty of a penalty shootout. Yet, fate had one final, deeply contentious twist. Dodi Lukébakio skimmed the crossbar with a desperate effort, but the VAR, Guillermo Pacheco Larios, was already intervening. The official highlighted a foul in the immediate build-up, spotting Lamine Kamara’s late swipe across Tielemans’ left ankle. Following a review, referee Saíd Martínez pointed to the spot, sparking furious protests from the Senegalese camp. Keeping his nerve amidst the chaos and exhausting heat of the moment, Tielemans stepped up and slotted the spot-kick home. It was a devastating blow for an heroic Senegal side and the ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card for Belgium, who somehow clawed their way from the abyss and into the last 16 in a match that had absolutely everything.