Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye declared on July 2 that he will step away from the national team as long as the current coaching staff remains in place, following Senegal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup [1, 2, 3]. Gueye, 27, started in Senegal’s Round of 32 match against Belgium on July 1, replacing Lamine Camara initially, before being substituted by Camara after 66 minutes as Senegal sought to protect a 2-0 lead [4, 1, 2, 5, 3].
Senegal lost 3-2 after extra time to Belgium in Lusail, Qatar, after conceding two late goals in regular time from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans. Tielemans then scored the winning penalty in the 125th minute [1, 2, 3]. Senegal’s goals were scored by Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr [1, 2, 3]. The Round of 32 lineup also included players such as Pathe Ciss in defense and forwards Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr, and Sadio Mane, while captain Kalidou Koulibaly did not start [4, 5].
Earlier in the tournament, Gueye scored two goals in Senegal’s 5-0 group stage victory over Iraq [4, 2]. He has earned 45 caps for Senegal to date [2].
Gueye announced his decision on social media, stating, “I will come back to say a few words about the 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,” referring to coach Pape Thiaw, who has managed Senegal since December 2024 [2]. Thiaw’s tenure has faced controversy, including Senegal being stripped of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after a walk-off protest during the final. Senegal has appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport [2].
The immediate next step is Senegal’s pending appeal outcome regarding the Africa Cup of Nations controversy, while Gueye’s future participation in the national team depends on changes to the coaching setup.
