World Cup 2026: Senegal’s remarkable exit after comeback and controversy

Belgium captain Youri Tielemans is fouled by Lamine Camara
July 2, 2026

LATEST NEWS

World Cup 2026: Senegal’s remarkable exit after comeback and controversy

One minute, Senegal were cruising into the last 16 of the World Cup.

The next, they were left wondering how another dream had slipped through their grasp.

Manager Pape Thiaw’s side led 2018 semi-finalists Belgium 2-0 with only four minutes left of normal time, after goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr.

But after outplaying their opponents, they somehow “found a way to lose the game”, as ex-Republic of Ireland skipper Roy Keane put it on ITV.

Romelu Lukaku’s 86th-minute goal sparked hope for Belgium and three minutes later, captain Youri Tielemans headed in an equaliser from Leandro Trossard’s cross – the pair were earlier seen having a heated argument – to force extra time.

Then came the controversial penalty, awarded for Lamine Camara’s challenge on Tielemans following a video assistant referee (VAR) review, and converted by the skipper himself 125 minutes in.

It condemned Senegal to further agony, having already endured the pain of being stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title earlier this year.

“Football is just crazy. I couldn’t call any of this game,” former England striker Dion Dublin told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Late drama, controversy, history and heartbreak – this last-32 tie had everything and here, BBC Sport attempts to make sense of it all.

Share this post:

POLL

Who Will Vote For?

Other

Republican

Democrat

RECENT NEWS

Saber Abu al-Kas sits outside a tent in Gaza

Nigeria says two nationals killed in South Africa amid rise of anti-migrant attacks

Jailed Gaza hospital chief in life-threatening condition, rights group says | Crimes Against Humanity News

Jailed Gaza hospital chief in life-threatening condition, rights group says | Crimes Against Humanity News

Morocco

World Cup 2026: Unbeaten in 34 matches – are Morocco serious World Cup contenders

Dynamic Country URL Go to Country Info Page