World Cup: Belgium Comeback to Beat Senegal in Extra Time, Kane Leads England to Round of 16

Published 1 July 2026

Reading time: 3 minutes

Belgium came from behind to beat Senegal, turning a two-goal deficit into a 3-2 victory after extra time and advancing to the World Cup round of 16 on Wednesday at Lumen Field in Seattle in the round of 32.

Who scored the first goal in World Cup history? And who scored the last goal?

Senegal seemed on course for an easy win after goals from Habib Diarra (25) and Ismaïla Sarr (51), but Belgium fought back in the closing minutes with strikes from substitute Romelu Lukaku (86) and captain Youri Tielemans (89), before Tielemans himself won a penalty in stoppage time and converted it to score the winner (120+5).

Belgium will face the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the next round on Monday in Seattle; those two teams play later in San Francisco.

Photo caption: from the Belgium vs Senegal match

Kane Saves England with Brace Against DR Congo

Striker Harry Kane saved England from early elimination, scoring a brace in the final 15 minutes against DR Congo (2-1) to lead the Three Lions into the World Cup round of 16 on Wednesday in Atlanta.

After Brian Sibinga opened the scoring early for the African side, making only their second World Cup appearance (7), England waited until the final minutes to turn the tables with two goals from captain Kane (75, 86), who scored his fifth goal of this World Cup and his 13th overall.

The start of the match was a shock for the Three Lions, who are seeking their second world title and first in 60 years, in a World Cup that saw two major European powers, Germany and Netherlands, eliminated by Paraguay and Morocco.

World Cup: Enduring figures tell the story of 92 years of the tournament

Skip most read and continue reading

Do you really need to avoid gluten?

Ukraine strikes major oil depot in Russian city of St Petersburg

"A meal I had on holiday left me with 38 parasites in my brain"

Hossam Abu Safiya: Warnings of danger to his life after repeated assaults inside Israeli prison

Sibinga opened the scoring for the Leopards in the seventh minute after a fine long pass from Chancel Mbemba reached him on the left flank; he fired a powerful low shot towards the near post that goalkeeper Jordan Pickford failed to stop, scoring his first international goal.

England increased the pressure in search of an equalizer, but DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi bravely saved a header from Jude Bellingham (30).

England continued their pressure as Noni Madueke burst brilliantly down the right before sending a ball into the box, but Marcus Rashford was denied at the last moment by a crucial intervention from Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the goal line (35).

Yoane Wissa, well known in English football from his time at Newcastle, almost dealt a crushing blow to the Three Lions' hopes when he met a precise low cross, but his effort came back off the post in a clear goal-scoring opportunity (42).

Photo caption: England players

Skip podcast and continue reading

In-depth explanation of key events and topics to help you understand the most important changes around you and their impact on your life

Episodes

End of podcast

After match referee, Jordanian Adham Makhadmeh, rejected an English penalty claim following Harry Kane's fall, who was a 'silent presence' in the first half (43), Mpasi again saved the African side from an equalizer after Bellingham delivered a superb cross from the right that Madueke headed towards goal, but Mpasi shone again by pushing it away (45+2) and then saved his team from a close-range shot by Kane.

Mpasi remained a formidable barrier against England's repeated attempts, which began in the second half with a powerful shot from Bellingham (53).

Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 World Cup

With tension gripping the performance of coach Thomas Tuchel's side as time wore on, the German made a series of changes to create a breakthrough, introducing Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka and winger Anthony Gordon, who had moved to Barcelona (61).

Kane appeared at the perfect time for his team, heading home a cross from substitute Gordon to find the net (75).

England continued their pressure, with Bellingham missing a dangerous chance, but Kane was present in the same attack, firing a powerful shot that nestled in the net, sparking great English celebrations (86).

Wissa had a final chance to force extra time, but his free kick went over the crossbar.

Skip shorts and continue reading

Shorts

End of shorts

From Montevideo to New Jersey: How has the number of World Cup teams more than tripled? 7 December 2025

Wars, politics, and travel hardship... non-football reasons for World Cup absence 8 October 2025

Refereeing changes in the World Cup: expanded VAR authority and war on time-wasting 4 June 2026