2026 World Cup: Three pitch invasions; Belgium-Senegal match interrupted

The 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match between Belgium and Senegal was temporarily halted after several people ran onto the field. The incident occurred in the 32nd minute of the match, when three people climbed over the security barriers and reached the field during a critical phase of the game.

As soon as he noticed the situation, referee Said Martínez decided to immediately suspend the match to allow security personnel to intervene. At the time of the interruption, Belgium was preparing to take a set piece with Maxim De Cuyper ready to take the kick. The players waited calmly while security personnel entered the field to stop the intruders.

Security personnel responded quickly, chasing down the intruders and eventually managing to apprehend them and remove them from the field. The action was met with applause from many fans in the stands. On social media, numerous soccer fans criticized the intruders’ behavior, calling it irresponsible and dangerous both for the players and for the smooth running of the match.