July 02, 2026
Recriminations are expected to follow swiftly after Senegal’s calamitous exit from the World Cup, with a schism apparent in the squad after they lost to Belgium in Seattle on Wednesday.
The future of coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, who is banned for the first five matches of Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, which begins in September, is in doubt after they let slip a 2-0 lead against Belgium to be catapulted out of the tournament.
Senegal were five minutes from a place in the last 16 when they allowed Belgium back into the game, and lost 3-2 in extra time after a last-gasp VAR penalty decision went against them.
Influential midfielder Pape Gueye said he would no longer play under Thiaw, posting on social media: "I'll come back later to say a few words about our elimination. But today I announce that, as long as this coaching staff remains in charge, I will take a break from the national team."
