The spectacular victory of Belgium against Senegal (3-2 after extra time) in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to spark reactions in the football world. After trailing by two goals, the Red Devils pulled off an incredible comeback to secure their qualification, while the Lions of Teranga saw their dream of world glory collapse in the final moments of a match that seemed to be in their favor.
Among those commenting on this match is Paul Pogba. The French midfielder praised the mental strength displayed by the Belgian team while expressing his sympathy for the Senegalese players, who fell victim to a particularly cruel scenario. According to him, this match perfectly illustrates the beauty and harshness of football at the highest level.
“This is why football is the most beautiful and the cruellest sport in the world. Belgium refused to give up, while Senegal completely lost their footing at the decisive moment. Two-goal lead… gone. A dream… shattered.”
Through this statement, Paul Pogba highlights Belgium’s ability to never back down, even in the toughest situations. Trailing for much of the match, the Belgians kept believing in their chances until they completely turned the game around. In contrast, Senegal, so close to a historic qualification, failed to maintain their advantage in the crucial moments, letting slip an opportunity that seemed secured.
The former French international also wanted to send a message of support to the Senegalese players, knowing that this elimination will leave a lasting mark on their careers. For him, such a defeat is hard to forget, especially after having glimpsed a qualification that seemed within reach.
“I am sincerely pained for the Senegalese players, as they will remember this evening for the rest of their lives. They were just minutes away from glory, but football was merciless. Belgium believed in victory until the final whistle, and sometimes conviction is stronger than talent.”
Paul Pogba believes this match will go down as one of the most memorable of this World Cup. He emphasizes that in major competitions, mental strength and determination can sometimes tip the scales, even when everything seems lost. Belgium demonstrated this by overturning a situation that appeared compromised.
🚨Paul Pogba on Belgium completing a dramatic 3–2 comeback against Senegal in extra time at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
🗣️ “This is why football is the most beautiful and the cruellest sport in the world. Belgium refused to die, while Senegal completely lost themselves when it… pic.twitter.com/dv1tvJ9Xzd
— SethOfficial🇵🇹 (@UTD_Seth001) July 1, 2026
“It’s on nights like this that champions are born. Belgium showed a warrior’s spirit, but for Senegal… this wound may never heal. Celebrations in Belgium will last for years, just like the memory of tears shed in Senegal.”
These words capture the stark contrast left by this match. On one side, Belgium, buoyed by an achievement that will be etched in their history. On the other, Senegal, leaving the competition with immense regrets after believing they had a historic qualification in their grasp. This clash will remain one of the most astonishing scenarios of the 2026 World Cup, once again showcasing the unpredictability of football.
