Senegal’s FIFA World Cup campaign has descended into controversy after midfielder Pape Gueye announced he could step away from international football, blaming the national team’s current coaching staff following their dramatic elimination by Belgium national football team.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup exit came in heartbreaking fashion as the Lions of Teranga surrendered a two-goal lead before losing 3-2 after extra time in the Round of 32.
Shortly after the defeat, Gueye took to Instagram to express his frustration, revealing that he would suspend his international career while the current technical crew remains in charge.
“I’ll be back to say a few words about our elimination… but I announce today that as long as it’s this technical staff, I’ll take a break from the national team,” the Villarreal midfielder wrote.
Senegal appeared to be in complete control after goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr handed the African side a comfortable advantage. However, the match changed after Gueye was substituted in the 64th minute for Lamine Camara.
Belgium staged a dramatic comeback as Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans scored late goals to force extra time. Tielemans then converted a penalty in the 125th minute after a VAR review to complete the turnaround and send Belgium into the next round.
Following the match, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw defended his substitutions, insisting they were driven by player fatigue rather than tactical mistakes.
“They were tired and couldn’t continue. Leaving them on the field would have been unprofessional. The substitutions were dictated by fatigue more than tactical considerations,” Thiaw explained.
The defeat has intensified scrutiny of Thiaw’s leadership, with the coach already facing criticism over previous controversies involving the national team. Gueye’s public criticism has now added fresh uncertainty to the future of Senegal’s squad as it prepares for upcoming international competitions.
