Belgium pulled off a stunning upset in Seattle, defeating Senegal 1-0 on an extra-time penalty kick awarded after a VAR review. The dramatic call came deep into extra time, keeping the Red Devils alive in the 2026 World Cup.
Deadspin reported that the spot-kick was converted after the referee consulted the pitchside monitor for a possible handball in the Senegal area. While no official attendance was provided, the crowd at Lumen Field was described as electric as Belgium extended their Pacific Northwest stay.
Belgium now advance to the round of 16, while Senegal's tournament ends in heartbreaking fashion. The loss is a bitter pill for the African side, which had controlled large stretches of the match and looked poised for a clean sheet.
The win keeps Belgium's title hopes alive with a potential matchup against the winner of USA's upcoming knockout match. Team USA fans are already rallying in North Carolina ahead of their Round of 32 clash on Wednesday, with Yahoo Sports noting growing excitement across the Triangle region.
"It's a cruel way to lose," a Senegal team source told reporters after the match, while Belgian players celebrated on the field. The penalty decision is likely to spark debate, with ESPN analyzing whether the handball call aligned with FIFA's VAR protocol.