Union beat Anderlecht in extra time to win fourth Belgian Cup
Union Saint-Gilloise have won the Belgian Cup for the second time in three years, beating Brussels rivals Anderlecht 3-1 after extra time. The victory is the fourth in the club’s history.
The match at the King Baudouin Stadium – the first-ever all-Brussels final – kicked off a few minutes late due to excessive use of pyrotechnics by Anderlecht supporters.
Union thought they had taken the lead after 16 minutes, but captain Christian Burgess’s header from a free kick was ruled out for offside.
Then, with 15 minutes to go, Kevin Mac Allister smashed a cross from Anan Khalaili into the net from close range to give Union the lead. Anderlecht responded immediately, with Mihajlo Cvetkovic heading home from a free kick to send the match into extra time. Belgium’s Nathan De Cat went off injured, putting his World Cup hopes at risk.
Union substitutes Mohammed Fuseini and Kevin Rodriguez scored in extra time, securing the club’s fourth ever cup victory after wins in 1913, 1914 and 2024.
Reigning league champions Union face another crucial fixture on Sunday away to leaders Club Brugge. The winners will be favourites to take the title.
Union players celebrate after winning the Croky Cup final against Anderlecht in Brussels, 14 May 2026 © PHOTO DAVID CATRY / ISOSPORT
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