Why Pape Gueye is Taking a Break from Senegal Duty After World Cup Heartbreak

Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has announced that he will take a break from international football while the current coaching staff remain in charge of the national team.

The 27-year-old made the announcement after Senegal’s painful exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Teranga Lions threw away a 2-0 lead before losing 3-2 to Belgium after extra time in their last-32 match.

Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr gave Senegal a deserved two-goal advantage, but late strikes from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans forced the match into extra time. Belgium then won a controversial penalty in the 125th minute, and Tielemans scored the winner from the spot.

Gueye, who plays for Spanish club Villarreal, started the match but was replaced by Lamine Camara in the 66th minute.

In a message posted on social media, Gueye expressed his disappointment and confirmed his decision to step away from the national team.

“I will come back to say a few words about the elimination, but I am announcing today that as long as this coaching staff is in place, I will be taking a break from the national team,” he wrote.

Gueye has made 45 appearances for Senegal and scored twice during their group-stage victory over Iraq at the tournament.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has been in charge since December 2024. His tenure has been marked by controversy, including the incident during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.

During that match, Thiaw led his players off the pitch after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. Senegal later returned to complete the game after a delay of about 17 minutes. Although Senegal initially won the final after Gueye scored in extra time, the Confederation of African Football later overturned the result and awarded the title to Morocco.

Senegal have appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and remain hopeful of having the title restored.