Senegal midfielder Gueye vows boycott until coach Thiaw sacked after World Cup loss
Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye, 27, said he will not play for the Teranga Lions again until head coach Pape Thiaw is sacked. He made the vow on social media immediately after Senegal’s 2-0 lead over Belgium in the 2026 World Cup was overturned by two late goals, forcing extra time where Youri Tielemans’ penalty sealed a 3-2 loss. Gueye’s post read, “l’Il be back to give you a few words regarding elimination… but I announce today that as long as it’s this technical staff I’ll take a break from the selection.” The outburst highlights growing friction between players and the coaching staff, raising questions about team cohesion ahead of future African qualifiers and the next World Cup cycle. For Senegalese fans and the broader West African football community, this revolt could influence selection policies, affect team morale, and prompt the federation to address coaching stability or player grievances. Will the Senegalese Football Federation respond to the player’s demand, or will the boycott push the team toward further instability ahead of its next major tournament?