Pape Gueye has put himself out of action from Senegal’s international engagements as the Teranga Lions made their final bow in the 2026 World Cup, exiting in the round of 32 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after losing to Belgium.
Senegal’s World Cup ended in cruel fashion as they coughed up a two-goal advantage late into the final fixture before a 3-2 defeat against Belgium. Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr both struck for Senegal, who looked set for a comfortable win, but Romelu Lukaku grabbed a late brace to force extra time, where Youri Tielemans grabbed a winning goal from 12 yards to see his team through to the knockout stages of the competition.
Gueye, a part of Senegal’s African Cup of Nations triumph earlier in 2026, posted a statement to his social media after the devastating defeat.
The Olympique Marseille midfielder revealed that as long as the present management of the Teranga Lions is in place, he will not play for Senegal. He wrote: “I will come back to tell you some more words regarding our elimination, but I announce today that as long as this technical staff is in place, I will be taking a break from the national team.”
The 27-year-old was substituted off with Senegal still 2-0 up, and Thiaw’s reasoning for the substitution was that Gueye was beginning to feel fatigued, but he strongly refuted that suggestion. He added: “Physically I was good, but the coach has made his choices, and we have to respect that.”
Gueye’s stance is another indication of Senegal’s uncertainty following a poor World Cup.
Whispers have surrounded Thiaw’s suitability to continue as head coach after it emerged that the squad was hit by several internal problems at the World Cup.
