FIFA World Cup 2026: Tielemans' 124:44 strike sets World Cup record as Belgium script historic comeback
Seattle, July 2
Youri Tielemans' winning penalty in the 124th minute and 44th second broke the previous timeline records for late game-winners, becoming the latest goal ever scored in FIFA World Cup history as Belgium produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in their Round of 32 clash on Wednesday.
The former Leicester City midfielder converted from the spot after a VAR review awarded Belgium a penalty for Lamine Camara's foul on Tielemans, sealing one of the tournament's most dramatic victories and rewriting the World Cup record books, according to Opta Analyst.
Belgium also registered another historic first by becoming the team to recover from the latest two-goal deficit in regulation time in FIFA World Cup history. The Red Devils were trailing 2-0 as late as the 85th minute before launching their stunning fightback, the latest a side has been two or more goals behind in normal time and still avoided defeat at the World Cup.
Senegal had looked in complete control for much of the contest. Habib Diarra opened the scoring after reacting quickest to Ismaila Sarr's effort that came back off the post following Sadio Mane's cross. Sarr then doubled the lead early in the second half after racing onto a long ball and calmly finishing past Thibaut Courtois.
Sarr's strike was his fourth goal of the tournament, equalling Roger Milla's record for the most goals scored by an African player in a single FIFA World Cup.
Belgium's comeback began through substitute Romelu Lukaku, who finished from close range after Thomas Meunier's delivery. Tielemans then headed in Leandro Trossard's cross to force extra time before completing the turnaround with his record-breaking penalty.
Trossard also strengthened his claim as the tournament's leading creator. His assist for the equaliser took him to 16 chances created at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, more than any other player in the competition.
Despite the defeat, Senegal also achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first African nation to score 10 goals in a single edition of the FIFA World Cup.
Belgium's victory extended their unbeaten run to 17 matches and sent them into the Round of 16, where they will face the winners of the United States versus Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Senegal's memorable campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a football fan from India, I love seeing African teams like Senegal do well. They scored 10 goals in a single World Cup - that's history! But Belgium's experience showed in the end. VAR decision was correct though. Football is coming home to Europe again, it seems.
Tielemans is the new hero of Belgium! 124th minute penalty under pressure? That takes guts. Jaise cricket mein MS Dhoni ne 2011 World Cup final mein kiya tha, waise hi football mein bhi clutch moment. 👏
Being from the US but living in India, this World Cup is amazing. Seattle just hosted an epic game! Senegal deserved better though - Sarr was on fire with 4 goals, equalling Milla's record. But football is cruel sometimes. India should learn from these smaller nations on building a team.
Is there anyone better than Lukaku as a substitute? That man is a goal machine. Belgium's depth is incredible. But honestly, I'm gutted for Senegal - they played so well for 85 minutes. This is why we love the World Cup - never give up till the final whistle!
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