"We're devastated": Diarra's brutal verdict on Senegal's painful World Cup exit
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 02.07.26. | 11:48
The Lions of Teranga's captain admits they're heartbroken after throwing away a 2-0 lead against Belgium in the Round of 32
Senegal were left shattered after their World Cup dream took a devastating blow as Belgium fought back from 2-0 down in the 86th minute to snatch victory in one of the tournament's most dramatic encounters.
The Lions of Teranga had doubled their advantage in the second half. Still, Lukaku and Tielemans netted twice in the span of just three minutes to take the game to extra time, where the latter added another one from the spot in the fifth minute of stoppage time for a shocking outcome.
For Senegal captain Habib Diarra, who had fired his side into the lead, the final whistle brought only disbelief.
"We're disappointed," Diarra admitted. "We had a good first half, but it wasn't enough. A match lasts 90 minutes, and we're devastated. It's very tough. I don't know what to say.
"When you're on the pitch, you have to give your all, and that's not what we did. We've only got ourselves to blame."
March 2026: Lost the AFCON title after their result vs. Morocco was overturned by CAF
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) July 1, 2026
June 2026: Went 2-0 up then lost 3-2 to vs. Belgium in the World Cup last 32
It’s been a tough few months for Senegal 💔 pic.twitter.com/CSJvtq3zdL
While Senegal struggled to process the collapse, Belgium celebrated a victory that could prove decisive in their World Cup campaign.
Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku admitted the contest had pushed his side to their limits against one of the tournament's strongest teams.
"I've had enough of these matches!" Lukaku joked afterwards. "It was intense, but we gave it everything. We were behind, but we showed character. In games like this, that's exactly what you need.
"This Senegal team is one of the best at the World Cup. Technically, physically and tactically they made life incredibly difficult for us. But once we increased the intensity of our pressing and started winning the second balls, our team spirit really came through and we managed to turn the game around.
"These are the kinds of victories that bring a squad even closer together."
WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE
Round of 32
Sunday
South Africa - Canada 0-1 (0-0)
/Eustaquio 90+2/
Monday
Brazil - Japan 2-1 (0-1)
/Casemiro 56, Martinelli 90+5 - Sano 29/
Germany - Paraguay 3-4 on penalties (0-1)
/Havertz 54 - Enciso 42/
Tuesday
Netherlands - Morocco 2-3 on penalties (1-1)
/Gakpo 72 - Diop 90+1/
Ivory Coast - Norway 1-2 (0-1)
/Diallo 74 - Nusa 39, Haaland 86/
France - Sweden 3-0 (1-0)
/Mbappe 45, 74 Barcola 53/
Wednesday
Mexico - Ecuador 2-0 (2-0)
/Quinones 22, Jimenez 31/
England - DR Congo 2-1 (0-1)
/Kane 75, 86 - Cipenga 7/
Belgium - Senegal 3-2 a.e.t. (2-2)
/Lukaku 86, Tielemans 89, 120+5 pen - Diarra 25, Sarr I. 51/
Thursday
USA - B&H 2-0 (1-0)
/Balogun 45, Tillman 82/
22.00: (1.32) Spain (5.25) Austria (10.0)
Friday
02.00: (1.95) Portugal (3.40) Croatia (4.10)
06.00: (1.95) Switzerland (3.45) Algeria (4.00)
21.00: (3.15) Australia (2.95) Egypt (2.55)
Saturday
01.00: (1.17) Argentina (7.50) Cape Verde (16.0)
04.30: (1.70) Colombia (3.60) Ghana (5.50)
***odds are subject to change***