Sénégal’s elimination in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, after a thrilling match lost to Belgium (3-2), continues to spark numerous reactions internally. Beyond the sporting result, several observers point to a climate that has been fragile for months within the national team and its governing bodies. This situation has contributed to a lasting tension around the group, in a context marked by controversial choices and an organization deemed unstable by some stakeholders.
In the hours following this elimination, midfielder Pape Gueye announced his temporary withdrawal from the national team, conditioning his return on a change in the technical staff. This decision comes amid significant tensions, as internal disagreements seemed to exist even before the competition began. According to several sources, this stance reflects a deeper discomfort within the locker room, where some decisions have been poorly received by key players.
At the same time, older criticisms have reportedly been voiced by the player regarding certain structural choices within the team. According to an investigation by DS Sports, he does not understand some appointments to positions close to the national team, believing they are more related to personal or family connections than strictly professional criteria. These accusations, which have not been officially commented on by the relevant bodies, fuel an ongoing debate about governance surrounding the team.
According to the same source, tensions escalated more directly during the competition. The midfielder reportedly had a first verbal altercation with two officials from the Senegalese Football Federation, followed by a second incident a few days later involving another staff member, which almost turned violent. These incidents, reported internally, reflect a particularly tense relational climate within the delegation during the tournament.
Pape Gueye to a member of the FSF: "You have destroyed the team. You are not up to the task."
— Joueurs SN 🇸🇳 (@JoueursSN) July 3, 2026
In this context, a statement attributed to the player illustrates the extent of the supposed disagreements. “You have destroyed the team. You are not up to the task,” he reportedly said, according to the information gathered. If confirmed, these remarks indicate a significant rift between some players and part of the coaching staff. They come amid a sequence where sporting performances, organizational choices, and internal tensions seem to have intertwined, revealing an overall state of imbalance within the team.
