Eliminated by Belgium's Comeback, 2026 World Cup Reignites Pape Thiaw and Habib Beye Debate

Senegal was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16 by Belgium (3-2) on Wednesday night after leading 2-0 with five minutes remaining. Two goals conceded in quick succession forced extra time, before a Tielemans penalty sealed the Lions of Teranga’s elimination just before the penalty shootout.

The defeat immediately weakened manager Pape Thiaw’s position. Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye was the first to speak out, publicly announcing his withdrawal from the national team. “I announce today that as long as this technical staff is in place, I will take a break from the national team,” he declared in a message posted on Instagram, promising to elaborate further on the elimination.

Following this, many Senegalese supporters also turned against the manager on social media. Several voices are calling for Habib Beye to replace him. The former Senegal international, recently dismissed as Olympique de Marseille manager, is currently a free agent. “It’s time to give the national team to Habib Beye,” “Connected to the new generation, he has what it takes to bring the tactical modernity we so desperately need,” can be read among the numerous messages calling for his appointment.

The Senegalese Football Federation has not yet publicly responded to these calls or clarified Pape Thiaw’s future as head of the Lions of Teranga.