Toby Alderweireld has drawn on Belgium's famous 3-2 comeback against Japan at the 2018 World Cup to explain how his country produced an equally dramatic turnaround against Senegal at the 2026 World Cup — clawing back from 2-0 down in the final four minutes of regular time to win the Round of 32 clash.

Romelu Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute, before Youri Tielemans levelled in the 89th to send the match into extra time. Tielemans then stepped up to convert a penalty in the 125th minute, sending Belgium through to the Round of 16.

Echoes of Japan 2018

The comeback stirred vivid memories for Alderweireld, who was on the pitch when Belgium overturned a 2-0 deficit against Japan eight years ago, ultimately winning 3-2 in one of the most memorable matches in World Cup history.

Speaking to BOYLE Sports, the former Tottenham Hotspur centre-back recalled how the mood shifted inside the squad once they pulled a goal back. "If you turn it up, even one stupid goal, one stupid moment can change everything," he said.

Alderweireld pinpointed Jan Vertonghen's header as the spark. "I remember Romelu Lukaku was next to the goal, but one header from Jan Vertonghen was actually a stupid goal, and everything changes. The belief came back," he said. "That one was one of the most historic World Cup games ever."

The weight of expectation

Alderweireld also acknowledged how much was riding on that 2018 campaign, and how close Belgium came to a humbling exit. "Imagine if you lost that game — we had one of the worst World Cups for Belgium, ever. Then against Japan we had our best performance ever. So sometimes it's all in the little details," he reflected.

His verdict on the scoreline that has haunted so many teams? "I always wished to be 2-0 up, but it's true what they say — 2-0 really can be the most dangerous scoreline in football."

Belgium now advance to the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, where they will face either USA or Bosnia and Herzegovina.