Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye refuses recall under coach

Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has announced he will not play for the national team while the current coaching staff remains in place, a dramatic decision following the team's stunning collapse and elimination from the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The 27-year-old Villarreal player made the declaration on social media hours after Senegal surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Belgium in extra time in their round of 32 match in Seattle.

Gueye, who scored twice in Senegal's group stage victory over Iraq, was substituted in the 66th minute while his team led 2-0. Shortly after the final whistle, he posted a statement saying he would address the elimination later but was announcing immediately that he would take a break from the selection as long as the current technical staff is in charge. The midfielder later told reporters he felt physically fine and that the substitution was the coach's decision.

Head coach Pape Thiaw defended his changes in a post-match press conference, explaining they were necessitated by player fatigue rather than tactics. He stated that several players had asked to be substituted because they were tired and could not continue, and leaving...