SEATTLE/SAN FRANCISCO, JUL 2 (IANS): Belgium produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, recovering from a two-goal deficit in the closing minutes to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time, while co-hosts USA overcame Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 despite playing the final half-hour with 10 men, setting up a Round of 16 showdown between the two sides.
Belgium looked destined for elimination at Seattle Stadium as they trailed Senegal 2-0 after 85 minutes. However, substitute Romelu Lukaku ignited a stunning revival in the 86th minute by turning in a cross from Thomas Meunier. Just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans headed home Leandro Trossard’s delivery to level the scores and force extra time.
With the contest seemingly headed for a penalty shootout, Belgium were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review ruled that Tielemans had been fouled inside the box. The midfielder calmly converted the penalty to complete a dramatic 3-2 victory and send the Red Devils into the last 16.
The victory marked only the second time Belgium have overturned a two-goal deficit to win a World Cup knockout match, the first being their famous 3-2 triumph over Japan in the 2018 Round of 16.
Senegal had been the better side for much of the contest, taking the lead in the 26th minute when Habib Diarra reacted quickest to score from a rebound after a header hit the post. Belgium created several opportunities before halftime but failed to find the net.
Coach Rudi Garcia introduced Lukaku at the start of the second half in a bid to revive his side’s fortunes, but Senegal doubled their advantage soon after through Ismaila Sarr. Despite the setback, Belgium refused to surrender, producing a breathtaking late comeback before Tielemans’ extra-time penalty sealed a memorable victory.
Senegal’s final opportunity from a late free-kick failed to trouble Belgium, whose players celebrated one of the tournament’s most dramatic wins at the final whistle.
Belgium’s reward is a Round of 16 clash against co-hosts USA in Seattle on July 7.
Ten-man USA seal Round of 16 berth
The Americans secured their place with a resilient 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
Folarin Balogun opened the scoring on the stroke of halftime after latching onto Malik Tillman’s through ball and finishing coolly beneath goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj following a fortunate double deflection.
Balogun thought he had scored earlier in the half, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside, and later struck the crossbar as the hosts dominated proceedings.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a red card after a VAR review for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic, leaving Mauricio Pochettino’s side to play the remainder of the contest with 10 men.
Bosnia attempted to capitalise on their numerical advantage, but the Americans defended resolutely.
Moments after Christian Pulisic had a goal disallowed for offside, Tillman curled home a free-kick to seal the victory and extinguish Bosnia’s hopes.
The win ended the USA’s 12-match winless run against European opposition and marked only the country’s second victory in a World Cup knockout-stage match. It also secured the USMNT a place in the Round of 16 for the fourth consecutive World Cup appearance.
The USA will now face Belgium in Seattle on July 7, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake. Victory would send the Americans into the last eight for the first time since the 2002 World Cup and only the second time in the modern era.