Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has announced that he will no longer play for the national team for as long as head coach Pape Thiaw remains in charge, following the country’s painful exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 27 year old made the declaration on social media shortly after Senegal threw away a two goal lead and lost 3 to 2 to Belgium after extra time in their Round of 16 clash.
Writing in French, Gueye said he would later speak in more detail about Senegal’s elimination, but made it clear that he was stepping away from international duty under the current technical crew.
He stated that as long as the present coaching staff remains, he would take a break from the national team, a move that has now added fresh tension to the fallout from Senegal’s World Cup exit.
The Teranga Lions had looked set for a place in the quarter finals after first half goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr gave them a comfortable 2 nil lead.
However, Belgium staged a dramatic comeback, with Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans scoring late to drag the game into extra time. Tielemans then completed the turnaround from the penalty spot in the 125th minute after a VAR review, handing Belgium a 3 to 2 victory.
The defeat ended Senegal’s hopes of recording a first World Cup knockout stage win since their historic debut run in 2002.
Gueye’s decision has also intensified pressure on Thiaw, whose substitutions while trying to protect Senegal’s lead came under heavy criticism after the match.
Responding to the backlash, the coach defended his changes, insisting they were forced by fatigue rather than tactical error. According to him, some of the players were too exhausted to continue and had to be replaced.
Thiaw argued that keeping tired players on the pitch would have been unprofessional, adding that while people would naturally question the substitutions after losing from a 2 nil lead, the decisions were made based on the physical condition of the players and not simply tactical considerations.
