Belgium’s dramatic comeback and Harry Kane’s double ended the campaigns of two of the continent’s strongest teams.

ATLANTA (Running Africa) — Africa’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered another setback on Wednesday after Senegal and DR Congo were eliminated in dramatic Round of 32 encounters, leaving Morocco as the continent’s only confirmed team in the Round of 16.

Senegal endured one of the tournament’s most heartbreaking defeats, surrendering a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 to Belgium after extra time. Goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr appeared to have the Lions of Teranga on course for victory before Belgium mounted a remarkable comeback.

Romelu Lukaku ignited the fightback, while Youri Tielemans equalized to force extra time. The Belgian midfielder then converted a dramatic 125th-minute penalty, awarded following a VAR review, to complete the comeback and seal Belgium’s place in the last 16.

DR Congo also exited the tournament despite an impressive performance against England. The Leopards stunned their opponents with an early goal and continued to threaten throughout the match, but England captain Harry Kane scored twice to secure a 2-1 victory and end the Congolese side’s historic run.

Although their World Cup journey ends in the Round of 32, DR Congo’s campaign marked a significant milestone after advancing beyond the group stage for the first time since returning to the tournament following a 52-year absence. Senegal also impressed by recovering from a difficult group-stage campaign to reach the knockout rounds.

With Senegal and DR Congo eliminated, Morocco now stands as Africa’s only confirmed representative in the Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands.

The continent’s hopes could still receive a boost, however, with Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, and Egypt still set to play their Round of 32 fixtures against Switzerland, Colombia, Argentina, and Australia, respectively.