Romelu Lukaku forced to break up heated clash between team-mates as Belgium stage incredible World Cup comeback

Senegal looked like they would progress comfortably against Belgium as they led 2-0 going into the 86th minute, but two late goals from the European side took the match to extra time before they completed the comeback with a penalty in stoppage time.

The African nation will be disappointed to have been eliminated in this fashion, as they had completely outplayed Belgium for the majority of the game.

Belgium appeared to be losing their way as the game entered the final few minutes, with players getting noticeably frustrated with each other, needing Romelu Lukaku to play peacemaker, allowing them to find their way and stage a dramatic turnaround.

The forward needed to break up Belgium captain Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard, who got involved in a heated clash before they staged their incredible comeback.

Trossard and Tielemans clash! 😳

Lukaku steps in to calm things down as Belgium's frustrations boil over pic.twitter.com/o4kn7jMhS9

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 1, 2026

All three of these players would be pivotal to the European nation staging their comeback as Lukaku scored their first in the 86th minute before Trossard assisted Tielemans for the second as the Arsenal star floated a cross into the box, which was met by the Belgian captain.

Belgium would secure the win in a controversial manner as they were awarded a penalty in the final minutes of extra time as Lamine Camara made contact with Tielemans in the penalty area.

The referee would consult with VAR before pointing to the spot, and after this, drama ensued as Senegal surrounded the penalty spot to stop Belgium from taking the shot.

Eventually, after seven minutes from when the referee was directed to the screen, Tielemans would step up and fire his effort into the top corner of the goal to give the Belgians the victory.

The European club will now face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 16 of this World Cup.