Pape Gueye announced he will sit out Senegal until the coaching staff changes. The 27‑year‑old midfielder, a Villarreal regular, made the call after his side squandered a 2-0 advantage and fell to Belgium in the World Cup round of 32. Gueye posted on social media that he will not return while the current management remains in charge for the national side.

In the knockout match, Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr put Senegal ahead before Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans struck late. Tielemans converted a controversial penalty in the 125th minute, sending the tie to extra time and ultimately eliminating Senegal. Gueye started but was subbed after 66 minutes for Lamine Camara. He has 45 caps and scored twice in the group‑stage win over Iraq.

Gueye’s self‑imposed hiatus removes one of Senegal’s most experienced midfielders ahead of upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Coach Pape Thiaw now faces a depleted squad lacking the defensive coverage and ball retention Gueye provides. The decision also signals internal dissent, potentially prompting the federation to reassess the coaching setup if further withdrawals occur in the short term.