Jackson features as Senegal bow out to Belgium at 2026 World Cup | News | Official Site
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Senegal led Belgium 2-0 with five minutes left at the 2026 World Cup — then lost. How does a team psychologically collapse when victory feels certain?
Prospect TheoryChoking Under PressureLoss AversionMomentum Theory
Theory Briefing
- Senegal held a 2-0 lead with just five minutes of normal time left, yet still exited the 2026 World Cup — a stunning late collapse.
- Nicolas Jackson featured for Senegal, meaning Chelsea's striker was on the pitch during one of the tournament's most dramatic reversals.
- Protecting a late lead can trigger defensive anxiety and passivity, inviting exactly the pressure that causes late goals.
- Belgium's comeback suggests that a near-certain win can shift momentum entirely — the leading team defends, the trailing team attacks with nothing to lose.