World Cup 2026: Rudi Garcia explains Senegal’s costly mistake against Belgium

Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia believes Senegal’s defensive approach late in the game proved decisive in the Teranga Lions’ heartbreaking elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday.

The Red Devils faced Senegal at Lumen Field in a dramatic Round of 32 encounter, with a place in the Round of 16 at stake.

Senegal surrender two-goal advantage

Senegal appeared to be cruising toward qualification after building a commanding 2-0 lead by the 75th minute through goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr.

However, the match took a dramatic turn in the closing stages as Belgium mounted a stunning comeback. Romelu Lukaku pulled one back before Youri Tielemans struck late to level the score at 2-2 and force the contest into extra time.

Belgium completed the turnaround when Tielemans converted a decisive penalty in extra time to seal a 3-2 victory and send the Red Devils into the Round of 16.

Garcia points to tactical shift

Speaking after the match, Garcia suggested Senegal made a major tactical error by attempting to protect their advantage rather than maintaining their attacking structure.

According to the Belgium manager, the shift in mentality allowed his side to gain confidence and momentum during the closing moments of normal time.

“Senegal lost their structure at the end of the match. They wanted to hold the score at 0-2, which was a big mistake in my opinion. That gave us confidence. Because from that 1-2, the match changed,” Garcia explained in his post-match interview.

Belgium await next opponent

Following the dramatic victory, Belgium now advances to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the Round of 32 clash between the United States and Bosnia.

For Senegal, the defeat marks a painful end to their World Cup campaign after coming within touching distance of qualification before Belgium’s late comeback changed the course of the tie.