African hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took another hit on Wednesday, with Senegal becoming the fifth team from the continent to exit the competition. It was the fourth African side to be eliminated in the second round after a tense Round of 32 clash that ended in a dramatic 3-2 loss to Belgium after extra time.
Senegal dumped out after a dramatic extra-time collapse
Senegal appeared on course to progress after Belgium were left chasing the game in the closing stages of normal time. With only four minutes remaining in regulation, Belgium still trailed by two goals, before mounting an extraordinary turnaround to reach the Round of 16.
The comeback was powered by three decisive strikes: Romelu Lukaku scored in the 86th minute, Charles De Ketelaere levelled in stoppage time with a finish in the 90+2nd minute, and Youri Tielemans converted a penalty in the fifth minute of extra time to clinch a remarkable victory.
DR Congo also eliminated in Round of 32
Earlier on the same day, the Democratic Republic of the Congo were knocked out following a 2-1 defeat to England in another Round of 32 encounter.
The Leopards nearly pulled off a major upset, taking the lead early when Brian Cipenga beat England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at his near post in the 13th minute.
England responded through their captain, Harry Kane. After a controversial penalty appeal was denied, the Bayern Munich striker turned the game by finding the net twice—once in the 41st minute and again in the 75th minute—to complete the turnaround and send the Three Lions into the Round of 16.
What happens next for England, and the African exit list
With their Round of 16 place secured, England will now face co-hosts Mexico for a spot in the quarter-finals. Senegal and DR Congo join the growing group of African teams that have already been eliminated from the tournament.
- Senegal: lost 3-2 to Belgium after surrendering a two-goal advantage; Belgium completed a dramatic recovery, with Youri Tielemans scoring a penalty in extra-time stoppage minutes.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo: defeated 2-1 by England; Cipenga gave the Leopards an early lead, before Harry Kane netted twice to push England through.
- Finished fourth in Group F behind Netherlands, Japan and Sweden, failing to qualify for the knockout stage.
- Lost 2-1 to Norway, ending the Elephants’ hopes of reaching the Round of 16.
- Suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Canada in the Round of 32 to bow out of the tournament.
The race for a historic first World Cup title for an African nation continues, with five countries still in contention at the 2026 tournament.
