Maxim De Cuyper’s World Cup stays alive after Belgium dragged themselves through one of the wildest knockout games of the tournament.
AP reported that Belgium came from 2-0 down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in Seattle, with Youri Tielemans converting a 125th-minute penalty after Romelu Lukaku had started the rescue act late in normal time.
For Brighton & Hove Albion, the result matters because it keeps De Cuyper in high-pressure football before Fabian Hurzeler’s squad gathers for a demanding European season.
De Cuyper Gets Another Elite-Test Window
Brighton signed De Cuyper from Club Brugge on a five-year contract in 2025, with the club stressing his creativity, Champions League background and ability to challenge at left-back in their official announcement.
The World Cup now gives Albion a different checkpoint: temperament under chaos. It also keeps one of Hurzeler’s full-back options operating at tournament speed.
- Belgium trailed 2-0 with five minutes of normal time left.
- Lukaku and Tielemans forced extra time.
- Tielemans then settled it with the latest goal in World Cup history, according to AP.
That kind of survival game is useful mileage for a Brighton defender facing Conference League football and a heavier domestic load.
ReadBrighton has already tracked De Cuyper’s Belgium progress. This was a sharper test, and it keeps his summer rhythm alive.
