World Cup 2026: Pape Gueye no longer wants to wear the Senegal shirt
Senegal’s defeat to Belgium (3-2 after extra time) in the World Cup round of 16 has left its mark. At the center of controversy, Pape Gueye has made a bold decision regarding his future with the Lions of Teranga.
Substituted in the 66th minute while Senegal was still leading 2-0, the Villarreal midfielder did not hide his frustration. After the match, he admitted that he felt capable of continuing, while acknowledging that the decision belonged to the coach.
A few hours later, the Senegal international took action. In a message posted on social media, he announced that he was suspending his international career as long as Pape Thiaw remained in charge of the national team:
I will come back to say a few words about our elimination. But I am announcing today that, as long as this coaching staff is in place, I will be taking a break from the national team.
This announcement comes amid a particularly tense atmosphere, following the cruel elimination of the Lions of Teranga, overturned in the final minutes by the Red Devils. It now opens a new crisis within the Senegalese squad, with the future of the coaching staff likely to come under immediate scrutiny.