Sports

World Cup: Senegal sets Unwanted record in dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium

Published

3 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Senegal became the first team in World Cup history to be eliminated from the knockout stage after leading by a two-goal margin at the 85th minute, following a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium after extra time.

Senegal led 2-0 with four minutes left after goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr. Romelu Lukaku scored in the 86th minute to spark Belgium’s comeback, before captain Youri Tielemans headed in an equaliser three minutes later to force extra time.

Tielemans then converted a controversial VAR-awarded penalty in the 125th minute to complete the comeback. Six of the 10 African teams at the tournament have now been eliminated, leaving Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, and Morocco as the only African sides remaining.

Key Points:

Senegal’s collapse from 2-0 up will haunt the players and fans
The unwanted record highlights the fragility of African teams at this World Cup
Belgium’s resilience keeps their tournament hopes alive
The controversial VAR penalty will be debated for years
Six African teams have now been eliminated from the tournament

Senegal exits heartbreakingly. Belgium advances to face the winner of Spain vs Austria in the Round of 16.

Sports

Pape Gueye Threatens to Quit Senegal After World Cup Collapse

Published

3 hours ago

July 2, 2026

99digits.ng

Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has sensationally threatened to quit international football in an explosive Instagram post following his team’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the World Cup Round of 32.

The 27-year-old Villarreal player declared he will no longer represent Senegal “as long as this technical staff” remains in place, posting: “I announce today that as long as it’s this technical staff I’ll take a break from the selection.”

The outburst came after Gueye was substituted in the 64th minute with Senegal leading 2-0, before Belgium staged a remarkable comeback. Coach Pape Thiaw defended the substitution, citing fatigue and insisting changes were forced by physical condition. The defeat adds to Thiaw’s controversial history, including the overturned AFCON final against Morocco.

Senegal’s World Cup exit has triggered a major internal crisis
Gueye’s threat could divide the squad ahead of future tournaments
The substitution decision will be debated for years to come
Thiaw’s coaching future is now in serious doubt
The crisis undermines Senegal’s status as Africa’s top team

Senegal faces an uncertain future. The federation must decide whether to back Thiaw or risk losing key players like Gueye.

Sources: Pape Gueye (via Instagram)

Sports

10-Man USA Beats Bosnia 2-0, Sets Up Belgium Clash

Published

3 hours ago

July 2, 2026

99digits.ng

The United States secured a 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup Round of 32 to advance to the Round of 16. Folarin Balogun opened the scoring just before halftime after Malik Tillman threaded a ball through to him.

Balogun was later sent off in the second half, becoming the fourth player to score and be red-carded in a World Cup knockout match. Despite being reduced to 10 men, the USMNT doubled their lead from a Tillman free kick in the 82nd minute.

The USA will face Belgium in the Round of 16. The US made 10 changes from their final group game, a 3-2 loss to Turkey.

Key Points:

USA’s depth was tested with 10 changes, but they still secured a win
Balogun’s red card means he will miss the Belgium clash
The US faces a tough test against comeback kings Belgium
Tillman was the standout performer with a goal and an assist
USA’s resilience with 10 men shows tournament toughness.

USA faces Belgium in the Round of 16. Balogun’s suspension is a major blow for the American attack.

Sources: Goal, SuperSport