Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye announced his decision to step away from the national team in a message posted on social media on Wednesday, one day after the Lions of Teranga were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium in the Round of 32.

GUEYE'S STATEMENT 

"I'll speak about our elimination another time... but today I want to announce that, as long as the current coaching staff remains in charge, I will be taking a break from the national team," the Senegal star wrote on his personal social media account.

Gueye had already voiced his frustration after being substituted in the 66th minute against Belgium, with Senegal leading 2-0 at the time. Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, he said he "felt physically fine" but added that substitutions were "the coach's decisions" and "had to be respected."

WHY IT HAPPENED?   

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw defended his substitutions in the post-match press conference, explaining that the changes were made "at the request of tired players."

Senegal missed out on a place in the Round of 16 after squandering a two-goal lead, eventually conceding a decisive penalty in the 125th minute of extra time. The spot kick was awarded after a foul on Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans, who converted from the spot to seal a dramatic comeback victory for the Red Devils.

"It is a very cruel defeat because we were playing well and leading 2-0," Thiaw said after the match. "But games are not 85 minutes long. They came back, and we weren't able to manage the game defensively. Congratulations to Belgium."

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