2026 World Cup: 5 African countries eliminated from tournament

Senegal squandered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Belgium and exit the 2026 World Cup.

Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 24th minute, reacting quickest to tap in a rebound.

Ismaila Sarr continued his sensational form with the second goal six minutes after the break.

But Belgium fought back to score twice late in the second half through Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans to force the game into extra time.

With few seconds left to a penalty shoot-out, Rudi Garcia’s men were awarded a late spot-kick, which Tielemans calmly converted.

Senegal become the fifth African nation to be eliminated, after Tunisia, South Africa, Cote d’Ivoire and DR Congo.