World Cup 2026: Krépin Diatta demands accountability after Senegal’s elimination

Senegal defender Krépin Diatta delivered a candid assessment of his side’s collapse after the Teranga Lions surrendered a two-goal lead in a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

Senegal appeared to be in control after racing into a 2-0 lead, but Belgium produced a late surge to turn the match on its head, ending Senegal’s hopes of progressing further in the tournament.

Speaking after the game, Diatta made no attempt to soften the disappointment, calling for greater responsibility within the squad.

“We almost made it, we have to stop making excuses,” the right-back said. “We weren’t supposed to lose that match at that moment. The team lacked character.

“When you’re leading 2-0 in the 84th minute you have got to be the boss in your defence, even if it means putting your head in there. We failed. There’s no excuse. The people deserve better.”

The defeat has intensified scrutiny on Senegal’s tactical decisions and in-game management, with suggestions that momentum was disrupted at a crucial stage.

However, midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye defended the approach to substitutions, insisting fatigue played a role in his own withdrawal.

“I think it’s easy to point fingers at the substitutions,” Gueye said. “If we’d won, no one would have spoken of it, but when there’s a defeat we always look for errors.

“I was a bit tired. I asked the coach [to take me off] I wasn’t able to go forward anymore.”

The result has placed head coach Pape Thiaw under growing pressure, with questions expected over Senegal’s game management and overall performance at the tournament.