I won’t play for the National team again with this coaching staff – Pape Gueye after Senegal World Cup exit

Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye says he will stop playing for the national team while the current coaching staff remains in charge, following their dramatic World Cup elimination by Belgium.

Gueye made the announcement in an Instagram post after Senegal lost 3-2 to Belgium following extra time in their 2026 World Cup Round of 32 tie.

“I will come back later to talk about the reasons for the elimination,” Gueye wrote. “But today I am announcing that as long as this coaching staff remains in place, I will stop playing for the national team.”

The 27-year-old was substituted in the 66th minute, with Senegal leading 2-0 and appearing to be on course for a famous victory.

Habib Diarra had put Senegal ahead in the 25th minute before Ismaila Sarr doubled their lead six minutes after the break.

Belgium opened the scoring through Romelu Lukaku in the 86th minute, but Senegal looked to have regained control as they defended their advantage deep into the second half.

However, Belgium produced an extraordinary late fightback.

Youri Tielemans scored in the 89th minute to bring Belgium level and force extra time, sparking a frantic finish.

With penalties looming, Belgium were awarded a spot-kick in the 120th minute. Tielemans converted in the fifth minute of added time to complete a remarkable 3-2 victory and send Belgium into the last 16.

The result marked one of the most dramatic recoveries in World Cup history, with Belgium becoming the first side to avoid defeat in normal time after trailing by two goals in the 85th minute.

For Senegal, the defeat was particularly painful after they had been within minutes of reaching the next round.

Their campaign ends after another gruelling knockout tie, while Gueye’s comments are likely to raise further questions over the future of Senegal’s coaching staff.

Jamaldeen Wiayuka

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