After the “Lions of Teranga” were knocked out in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, Pape Gueye announced that he would not return to represent the national team as long as the current coaching staff remained in place. In a statement posted on his social media accounts on July 7, the Villarreal midfielder explained his decision, which sparked widespread debate.
Facing a wave of criticism, the Villarreal midfielder sought to clarify his position. On Instagram, he reaffirmed his love for his country: “I love my country and the national team more than anything. I know exactly what it means to wear our colors. I have always put the team above my personal interests and I will continue to do so.”
Pape Gueye on Instagram 📲:”Dear Senegalese, dear Senegalese women,I love my country and the national team more than anything, and I know what it means to wear our colors. I have always put the team before my own interests and will keep doing so.I… pic.twitter.com/IUede4DD2p
— Joueurs SN 🇸🇳 (@JoueursSN) July 7, 2026
The Villarreal midfielder also admitted to his disappointment after the World Cup, as Senegal exited the round of 16 against Belgium despite leading 2-0 until the 85th minute: “We let you down. You deserved better.”
The man who scored twice against Iraq justified his decision to suspend participation with the national team as long as the coaching staff, led by Pape Thiaw, remains in charge.
All my recent decisions have been made for the good of Senegalese football, now and especially for the future.
The message is clear: he does not appear ready to back down. In Senegal, some voices are already calling for disciplinary action against him.
Piala Dunia 2026
Piala Dunia FIFA 2026 akan menjadi edisi paling revolusioner dalam sejarah sepak bola dunia. Turnamen ini untuk pertama kalinya akan diselenggarakan di tiga negara sekaligus, yaitu Amerika Serikat, Kanada, dan Meksiko. Selain itu, jumlah peserta juga meningkat dari 32 menjadi 48 tim, membuka peluang lebih besar bagi negara-negara dari berbagai konfederasi untuk tampil di panggung global. Format baru ini akan menghadirkan lebih banyak pertandingan, atmosfer kompetisi yang lebih luas, serta jangkauan penonton yang semakin besar di seluruh dunia.
Dengan skala yang jauh lebih besar, FIFA menargetkan turnamen ini sebagai ajang yang tidak hanya kompetitif tetapi juga spektakuler dari sisi teknologi dan pengalaman penonton. Stadion-stadion modern di berbagai kota tuan rumah telah dipersiapkan untuk menghadirkan pertandingan berkelas dunia, didukung oleh inovasi seperti peningkatan sistem VAR dan pengalaman digital bagi fans. diprediksi akan menjadi tonggak baru dalam evolusi sepak bola internasional, memperkuat popularitas olahraga ini sekaligus menciptakan momen-momen bersejarah yang akan dikenang dalam waktu lama.
