Internal turmoil in the Senegal national team intensified following their dramatic 3–2 defeat to Belgium in the World Cup round of 32, with midfielder Pape Gueye announcing a break from international duty under the current coaching staff led by Pape Thiaw.
“I’ll speak later about our elimination, but for now, I’m announcing that as long as this coaching staff is in place, I’m taking a break from the national team,” Gueye said on his IG story.
Gueye, who had been recalled to the starting XI, was replaced by Lamine Camara in the 66th minute against Belgium, with his side leading 2–0.
After the match, Thiaw, who was criticized for his substitution choices, said the changes were due to “physical problems,” explaining that “some players were tired and no longer able to continue, forcing him to make the changes.”
Yet, the midfielder Gueye denied that he was suffering from fatigue, insisting he was in good physical condition when he was substituted.
“Physically, I was fine,” Gueye told reporters, saying, “but the coach made his decision, and we have to respect it.”
The Senegalese daily Yoor-Yoor strongly criticized Pape Thiaw, arguing that the team’s World Cup exit was the result of catastrophic tactical and managerial decisions.
Quoted by French media l’Equipe, the newspaper accused Pape Thiaw of sabotaging his team’s efforts by choosing to retreat deep and making what it described as irrational substitutions, particularly the decision to replace Pape Gueye with Lamine Camara.
Senegalese fans also criticized Pape Thiaw’s tactical decisions on social media.
One Senegalese X user, whose profile picture showed Pape Thiaw’s face crossed out with a large X, wrote, “Pape Thiaw lied from start to finish. There were no tired players.”
An online petition calling for Thiaw’s dismissal has also gained traction, gathering more than 35,000 signatures, according to local media.
Addressed to the Senegalese Football Federation and its executive committee, the petition argues that Senegal’s elimination was the result of a series of questionable decisions made throughout the tournament.
Since the start of their 2026 World Cup campaign, Senegal had shown signs of instability, with reports of financial, administrative, and logistical problems affecting the team’s preparations.
One of the main sources of frustration was reportedly unpaid bonuses, with players yet to receive promised payments despite the Senegalese Football Federation benefiting from significant revenues from the 2025 AFCON and World Cup qualification.
Thiaw was also reportedly unpaid for more than five months and continued to lead the team despite his contract having expired.
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