Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye announced on Wednesday that he will step away from the national team as long as the current technical staff remains in charge.
Gueye, 27, made the statement during a FIFA World Cup 2026 press conference in Seattle, Washington, following Senegal’s elimination from the tournament. The Villarreal CF player said he will “come back to say a few words about the elimination” later, but confirmed his break from the Lions of Teranga effective immediately.
Senegal were eliminated in the World Cup Round of 32 on July 1, 2026, after a 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium at Seattle Field. The Lions led 2-0 in the 85th minute before Belgium equalized with two late goals and won with a Youri Tielemans penalty in extra time. Gueye started the match in place of Lamine Camara. He previously scored twice as a substitute in Senegal’s 5-0 group-stage win over Iraq on June 26, a result that kept their knockout hopes alive.
Gueye linked his decision directly to the technical staff led by head coach Pape Thiaw, stating he will not return “as long as this technical staff remains in place”. Following the loss, Thiaw called football a “cruel game” and said Senegal “were not able to deal with” Belgium’s late comeback.