Why did the referee give Belgium an extra-time penalty against Senegal in their 2026 FIFA World Cup match?

Belgium captain Youri Tielemans was brought down in the penalty area during the closing moments of extra time during Belgium’s FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match against Senegal in Seattle on Wednesday.

The midfielder was heading towards a cross from the left in the 117th minute when Lamine Camara cut him from behind, grabbed his foot and sent him to the ground.

Referee Ivan Barton initially allowed play to continue, but after a VAR review the decision was overturned and a penalty was awarded. Unfazed by Senegal’s protests, Tielemans stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to score the winner.

The goal marked a remarkable comeback for Belgium, who were trailing 2–0 with less than 10 minutes of regular time remaining.

Tielemans and Romelu Lukaku struck within three minutes of each other to force extra-time, before the former once again played a decisive role by winning the penalty that saved his side the lottery of a shootout.

Published on July 2, 2026