Senegalese after elimination: We failed

Senegal's footballers and coach Pape Thiaw have openly admitted to a fatal failure after their unexpected exit in the first round of the 2026 World Cup knockout stage, where they twice led Belgium but eventually lost 2-3 after extra time. At Lumen Field, the Lions of Teranga took the lead thanks to goals from Lamine Camara and Habib Diarra, with the second goal coming when the game appeared to be in control. Belgian coach Rudi Garcia, however, bet on offensive changes that reversed the course of the match.

The Red Devils corrected the score and took the lead in regulation time. Loss of concentration at key moments spelled the end of the tournament for Senegal, who entered the match as favourites. Krépin Diatta and the other players in the dressing room admitted that they could not properly maintain the 2:0 lead and let themselves be carried away by the opponent's pressure.