World Cup match stopped as three protesters wrestled and removed from pitch

A World Cup match between Belgium and Senegal was disrupted when three pitch invaders stormed the field at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington during the 31st minute of play.

The three protesters, believed to be social media influencers, sprinted onto the turf in what was described as a social media prank. Security personnel immediately pursued the intruders across the pitch, with up to five officials chasing one individual who was finally tackled and apprehended after dashing off the playing surface. The pursuit led to several tumbles from the chasing security staff. A further two people were detained before they could reach the playing surface.

During the disruption, lead commentator Sam Matterface provided coverage of the incident, saying: "We've got a social media prank which is going to cause a halt in play and it is quite a dangerous situation because there are three or four young gentlemen who have decided to encroach on the pitch. They have been wrestled now two of the three have. The third has evaded security staff who are trying desperately to get hold of him."

He added: "It has created yet another interruption. We haven't had too many of those at the... We had several didn't we at the Euros a couple of years ago people coming on desperate to get selfies with big-name players."

The protesters were eventually removed from the field. Following a brief pause, play resumed swiftly with a drop ball. At the time of the disruption, Senegal were leading 1-0 courtesy of Habib Diarra's goal in the 24th minute. Belgium had been striving to net an equaliser before the half-time whistle, a feat they ultimately failed to achieve at that point.

Live television coverage on ITV switched focus from the pursuit to instead show reactions from players of both teams and broader views of the stadium during the incident.