The day after their elimination in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, the Senegalese team is slowly starting to disperse. After a tough match against Belgium, the Lions saw their World Cup journey end earlier than expected, leading to the first decisions about the delegation’s return. While fans are still waiting for explanations about this early exit, the leaders of the Senegalese Football Federation are already working on the logistics for the trip back to Dakar.
At this stage, no official communication has been made regarding the date and time of the entire delegation’s return. According to several reports, Federation officials are continuing their meetings to finalize the last details related to the organization of the trip. Discussions are focusing on the transportation arrangements for the players, coaching staff, and support members, all amidst a backdrop of great disappointment following this elimination.
While waiting for the collective departure, several internationals have already left the Lions’ base camp. According to information reported by RTS.sn, midfielder Pape Alassane Guèye, goalkeepers Édouard Mendy and Mory Diaw, as well as defender Ismail Jakobs, have received permission to head to their respective destinations. For some, it’s about reuniting with family or starting a rest period before resuming training with their clubs.
The case of Ismail Jakobs has particularly caught attention. The defender chose to join his family in Los Angeles to enjoy a few days away from the pressure of competition. After several weeks with the Senegalese squad, this break should help him recover physically and mentally before returning to his professional obligations. The other players who left the Tanière will also follow a recovery program before the new season kicks off.
Just moments after the final whistle against Belgium, Pape Guèye surprised everyone by speaking out publicly. The Villarreal midfielder announced his intention to put his international career on hold “as long as the current coaching staff is in place.” This statement, made in a highly emotional context, immediately sparked debates among observers and Senegalese fans.
Pape Guèye’s comments have generated numerous reactions on social media and in the press. Some believe it’s a decision made out of frustration after the elimination, while others see it as a sign of deeper issues within the team. At this point, neither the player nor the Senegalese Football Federation has provided further details on this announcement, leaving many questions about his future with the Lions.
‼️ According to information gathered by DSports, Pape Gueye believed that some appointments within the national team were not based solely on competence. The midfielder reportedly argued for a support staff made up of profiles he deemed… pic.twitter.com/3cKp7oUMoN
— Momar Assane (@Noo_IDcard) July 3, 2026
Meanwhile, the rest of the delegation remains gathered, awaiting the final adjustments for the return trip to Senegal. The players, coaching staff, and officials are expected to return to the country in the coming hours, once logistical issues are fully resolved. This return will mark the beginning of a period of reflection for the national team, tasked with analyzing the reasons for this elimination to prepare for upcoming international challenges and rebuild a squad capable of bouncing back.
