World Cup 2026: "The 86th-minute curse"

Since entering the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, three African teams have conceded goals in the 86th minute, a moment that is always a turning point in a match and a sign of elimination...

A coincidence is gradually becoming a curse. Of the five African nations that have reached the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup , three have suffered the same misfortune: conceding the decisive goal in the same minute, the 86th minute. This unfortunate series of events has sparked many questions on social media.

Ivory Coast was the first victim in the match against Norway at Dallas Stadium, Arlington, on June 30th local time (July 1st morning, Vietnam time), with Erling Haaland 's famous 86th-minute goal, just moments after Amad Diallo equalized (74th minute).

A cruel 86th minute for African teams at the 2026 World Cup. Photo: bfmtv.com

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The same thing happened the following day at the stadium in Atlanta, where the Democratic Republic of Congo conceded two goals in the final 15 minutes of the match from England's Harry Kane , including an unstoppable cannonball in the 86th minute.

In another unexpected turn of events, Senegal – the runner-up of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) – suffered a bitter and dramatic defeat against Belgium (July 2nd, Vietnam time). Despite Senegal leading 2-0, striker Romelu Lukaku rekindled hope for Belgium's attack in the 86th minute. Three minutes later, Youri Tielemans forced the match into extra time before securing the victory in the final minutes with a penalty (120th minute).

Although South Africa avoided the 86th-minute curse in their match against Canada, Bafana still conceded the winning goal six minutes later (in the 92nd minute, scored by Stephen Eustaquio). This last-minute collapse continues to raise many questions.

"We know these teams; they often lose their tactical structure towards the end of the match. We also know that when the score is 2-0, they will do everything to defend their goal, which in my opinion is a serious mistake. So, when you're 2-0 up, don't do that," exclaimed Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia after Belgium eliminated Senegal. It remains unclear which "these teams" Garcia was referring to...

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Only Morocco is an exception to the "collapse" rule at the end of a match. They are the only African team so far to have turned the game around, taking the lead with a decisive header from Issa Diop in the 91st minute, leveling the score after the Netherlands had opened the scoring a few minutes earlier (72nd minute by Cody Gakpo). Morocco then went on to win against the Netherlands on penalties.

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/the-thao/worldcup-2026/world-cup-2026-loi-nguyen-phut-86-1047379