Senegal Star Pape Gueye Slams Coach, Takes Break from National Team

The single sharpest fact in one or two punchy sentences.

Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye has announced he's stepping away from the national team as long as head coach Pape Thiaw remains in charge, following Senegal's dramatic exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 27-year-old midfielder made the announcement on social media shortly after Senegal surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Belgium after extra time in their Round of 16 clash.

In a post written in French, Gueye said he would speak further about the team’s elimination but confirmed he was taking a break from international football under the current coaching staff.

"I’ll come back to speak about our elimination, but today I announce that as long as this technical staff remains, I will take a break from the national team,” he wrote.

Senegal appeared to be on course for a place in the quarter-finals after first-half goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr gave them a commanding 2-0 lead. But Belgium mounted a remarkable comeback, with Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans scoring late goals to force extra time before Tielemans converted a penalty in the 125th minute, following a VAR review, to seal a 3-2 victory.

Gueye’s comments have intensified scrutiny of head coach Pape Thiaw, whose substitutions while protecting a two-goal advantage came under heavy criticism. Thiaw insisted the changes were necessary because several players had become exhausted.

“They were tired and couldn’t continue. Leaving them on the field would have been unprofessional on our part. We had to replace them like for like,” the coach said.

The Teranga Lions’ defeat ended Senegal’s hopes of recording their first knockout-stage victory at a World Cup since their memorable debut campaign in 2002.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen several surprising upsets so far, with Senegal being the latest team to bite the dust. The tournament is expected to continue with more exciting matches, despite controversies surrounding some of the coaches.

Pape Thiaw has been Senegal’s head coach since 2020, leading the team to some impressive victories. However, his tactics have been questioned by fans and players alike. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen several surprising upsets so far, with Senegal being the latest team to bite the dust.

The tournament is expected to continue with more exciting matches, despite controversies surrounding some of the coaches. The Teranga Lions’ defeat ended Senegal’s hopes of recording their first knockout-stage victory at a World Cup since their memorable debut campaign in 2002.

“They were tired and couldn’t continue. Leaving them on the field would have been unprofessional on our part. We had to replace them like for like,” Pape Thiaw said.

Pape Thiaw has been Senegal’s head coach since 2020, leading the team to some impressive victories. However, his tactics have been questioned by fans and players alike.

The World Cup has been filled with impressive displays from several teams, but Senegal’s defeat has left many fans disappointed. The team’s loss has sparked debates about the tactics used by coach Pape Thiaw, with some questioning whether he made the right decisions.

Pape Gueye, who has been an integral part of the team, has spoken out about his dissatisfaction with the current coaching staff. His comments have sparked widespread debate, with many fans and players questioning whether coach Pape Thiaw is the right person to lead Senegal to victory.