Source: Africa Publicity
Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has threatened to step away from international football if the country’s current coaching staff remains in charge following the Teranga Lions’ heartbreaking exit from the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a strongly-worded statement after Senegal’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 32, Gueye said:
“I will take a break from the national team if this coaching staff remains in charge.”
His comments came after one of the tournament’s most dramatic matches, with Senegal surrendering a two-goal advantage in the closing minutes before losing in extra time.
The reigning African champions appeared to be cruising into the Round of 16 after taking a 2-0 lead through goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr.
However, Belgium staged a remarkable late comeback as Romelu Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute before Youri Tielemans equalised three minutes later to force extra time. Tielemans then converted a stoppage-time penalty in the 120+5th minute to seal a stunning 3-2 victory and send Belgium into the Round of 16.
Senegal’s elimination capped a mixed but resilient World Cup campaign. Drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway and Iraq, the Lions of Teranga suffered narrow defeats to France and Norway before bouncing back emphatically with a 5-0 victory over Iraq. The win, which included two goals from Gueye, was enough for Senegal to progress to the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
The defeat is likely to intensify scrutiny of head coach Pape Thiaw, whose future could come under question following Gueye’s public criticism. The midfielder’s comments have also raised concerns about potential unrest within the national team setup as Senegal begins to assess its disappointing World Cup exit.
