Alderweireld recalls Belgium's 2018 miracle as Red Devils repeat 2-0 comeback to stun Senegal

Belgium completed a remarkable comeback against Senegal at the 2026 World Cup, overturning a 2-0 deficit with just four minutes of regular time remaining to win 3-2 in extra time and advance to the Round of 16. Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans struck in the 86th and 89th minutes to level the tie, before Tielemans converted a penalty in the 125th minute to seal the victory.

The result drew immediate comparisons to one of the most celebrated moments in Belgian football history — their stunning 3-2 reversal against Japan at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, when they were also 2-0 down with 21 minutes remaining before three goals turned the match on its head.

Ex-Belgium international Toby Alderweireld, who played in that 2018 clash, offered his insight into how such comebacks become possible. “If you turn it up, even one stupid goal, one stupid moment can change everything,” he said.

Alderweireld recalled the precise moment the tide shifted against Japan. “When we were 2-0 down to Japan, we said, ‘Let’s go, come on, we need one goal.’ But it was one goal, and a stupid goal, and everything changes. I remember Romelu Lukaku was next to the goal, but one header from Jan Vertonghen was actually a stupid goal, and everything changes.”

The former Tottenham Hotspur centre-back described the psychological shift that followed. “The belief came back. That one was one of the most historic World Cup games ever.”

Alderweireld also acknowledged the weight of expectation that has long surrounded Belgium’s so-called golden generation, and how close that 2018 tournament came to being remembered very differently. “Imagine if you lost that game — we had one of the worst World Cups for Belgium, ever. Then against Japan we had our best performance ever. So sometimes it’s all in the little details.”

His verdict on the scoreline that has now twice proved deceptive for Belgian opponents was unequivocal. “I always wished to be 2-0 up, but it’s true what they say. 2-0 really can be the most dangerous scoreline in football.”

Belgium will face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16.