Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has announced that he will step away from international football for as long as head coach Pape Thiaw remains in charge of the national team.
The 27-year-old made the announcement on social media shortly after Senegal’s heartbreaking 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Teranga Lions had taken a commanding 2-0 lead through Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr before Belgium staged a dramatic comeback, with Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans scoring to force extra time. Tielemans later converted a late penalty to seal Belgium’s victory.
In his statement, Gueye said he would address the team’s elimination at a later date but confirmed he would not return to the national team while the current technical crew remains in charge.
The decision piles more pressure on Thiaw, whose substitutions during the match have drawn criticism from fans and football analysts. However, the coach defended his decisions, insisting they were made because several players were too fatigued to continue.
