World Cup 2026: Senegal’s Krépin Diatta says ‘this nation deserves better’ after Belgium heartbreak

Senegal defender Krépin Diatta has said the Lions “failed in our mission” after their dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium in the Round of 32, admitting the team let a place in the next stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup slip from their grasp.

The West Africans appeared to be on course for victory after opening a two-goal advantage, only for Belgium to mount a remarkable comeback and eliminate them from the tournament.

Diatta was visibly emotional after the final whistle and spoke candidly about the reasons behind Senegal’s collapse. Rather than pointing to tactical mistakes, the defender said the decisive factor was the team’s mentality during the closing moments of the match.

“We’re not going to dwell on small details. I think it’s first and foremost a question of mentality. When you’re leading 2-0 in the 84th minute, you have to be the boss in your own box. You have to do everything. If it means using your head, if it means using your body, you have to do it. You have to be a leader.”

His comments reflected the disappointment felt throughout the Senegal squad after surrendering a commanding position in a match they had largely controlled.

Diatta believes the result was especially painful because of the level of performance Senegal produced for much of the contest. He said the team had shown enough quality to progress but ultimately failed to finish the job when it mattered most.

The defender admitted the defeat would be difficult to accept, particularly given how close Senegal came to reaching the next round.

“Given what we offered and showed, it’s the heart that speaks today. Frankly, I’m devastated. It’s truly a shame to let slip a qualification that was practically ours.

We were determined to write a beautiful chapter in the history of our football in this World Cup, but we have to accept that we failed in our mission.

I put myself in the shoes of all Senegalese people and, frankly, they deserve better. This nation deserves better. Considering what we offered, we shouldn’t have lost this match. We have to stop making excuses. We have to play with heart. And when it’s time to defend, we have to do it.”

The defeat marked a painful end to Senegal’s World Cup campaign, with the Lions unable to protect their lead despite being in a commanding position late in the match.

For Diatta, the disappointment extends beyond the result itself. He believes the players fell short of the expectations of their supporters, acknowledging that the nation deserved a better outcome after the effort the team produced throughout the contest.