I will be back to speak about the elimination – Pape Gueye drops bombshell

Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has hinted at serious internal tension following his country’s dramatic World Cup exit to Belgium on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, declaring that he will speak in full about the elimination at a later time.

The 27-year-old, who started the match, also announced that he would step away from international duty as long as the current technical staff remains in charge, a statement that has immediately sparked debate within Senegalese football.

Taking to social media, the 27-year-old hinted that there is more to reveal about what happened behind the scenes.

“I will come back to say a few words about the elimination. But today I’m announcing that as long as this technical staff remains in place, I will be taking a break from the national team,” he said.

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His statement has fuelled speculation of growing tensions within the Senegal camp following one of the most painful collapses of the tournament.

Senegal looked to have one foot in the Round of 16 after Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr gave them a 2-0 lead over Belgium.

Gueye, who had already scored twice during the tournament, was substituted shortly after the hour mark, with coach Pape Thiaw introducing Lamine Camara as Senegal sought to protect their advantage.

The game turned dramatically after Gueye’s departure. Romelu Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute before Youri Tielemans levelled three minutes later to force extra time.

Deep into extra time, Camara fouled Tielemans inside the area, and after a VAR review, the Belgian midfielder converted the penalty to complete an astonishing 3-2 comeback.



FKA/JE