Senegal saw their match turn in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after having controlled the game for so long. In a favorable position, the Lions led 2-0 with just ten minutes to go before collapsing and conceding three goals, ultimately losing 3-2. This elimination, particularly hard to swallow, cannot be blamed on luck. It stems from a series of mistakes, questionable choices, and a collective lapse in the final quarter of an hour, when qualification seemed secured.
Pape Thiaw is at the center of criticism for his choices in the second half. For over seventy minutes, his setup worked perfectly, allowing Senegal to control spaces and stifle Belgian initiatives. The midfield trio of Habib Diarra, Pape Gueye, and Gana Gueye dominated duels, while offensive transitions created danger. However, the substitutions changed the team’s balance. The exit of Habib Diarra, particularly influential in pressing and ball retention, coincided with a loss of control. The subsequent adjustments failed to stabilize the block, allowing the opponent to gradually regain control of the game.
Mory Diaw and Lamine Camara stand out as two of the main culprits in this match’s closing moments. The Senegalese goalkeeper, solid until then, misjudged a crucial moment on Belgium’s equalizer, gifting a decisive opportunity to Youri Tielemans. This mistake came at a key moment and completely shifted the game’s dynamics. On the other hand, Lamine Camara, who came on as a substitute, failed to impose himself in midfield. Already penalized for several late tackles, he ultimately committed a foul in the box on Tielemans at the end of extra time. After a VAR review, the awarded penalty sealed the match’s fate.
The Senegalese defense also suffered in crucial moments. Moussa Niakhaté, solid for much of the match and involved in Senegal’s second goal, lost an important duel to Romelu Lukaku on the goal that reduced the deficit before being outpaced on the equalizer. On the flanks, Krépin Diatta struggled against opposing incursions and left more space in his corridor, facilitating Belgian advances. The entire defensive block gradually retreated under pressure, allowing the opponent to set up a sustained siege around the box.
FIASCO ! 🤡🤡
Senegal is ELIMINATED from the 2026 World Cup, 3-2 after extra time against Belgium. ❌
Senegal led 2-0 in the 86th minute. pic.twitter.com/BUEkqCjFxZ
— Joueurs SN 🇸🇳 (@JoueursSN) July 1, 2026
Despite this outcome, several Senegalese players delivered convincing performances. Habib Diarra stood out for his influence in midfield and his opening goal before his substitution. Ismaïla Sarr was involved in both goals and constantly pressured the opposing defense. Sadio Mané also contributed with his activity and participation in the first goal, even though he faded in intensity towards the end of the match. Pape Gueye and Gana Gueye maintained midfield control for a long time before the collective breakdown. In the end, this defeat illustrates a match that was largely controlled but poorly managed in the final minutes, leaving a feeling of missed opportunity for Senegal.
