Teranga Lions stranded in the U.S as Federation failed to book flight home
The Senegalese national team remains stranded in Seattle due to a major administrative failure by their federation following a painful 3-2 extra-time World Cup elimination by Belgium.
The Senegal national team remains stranded in Seattle following their painful elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to local reports, the Senegalese Football Federation failed to secure return flight reservations to Dakar with major airlines.
The entire squad and technical staff were forced to return to their hotel after spending several hours waiting at the airport without a solution.
This logistical disaster compounds the heartbreak of the Lions of Teranga’s dramatic exit on Wednesday. Senegal capitulated from a comfortable 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 against Belgium in extra time, conceding a decisive late penalty.
The federation is now desperately collaborating with FIFA officials to organize a charter flight to finally repatriate the squad over the weekend.Meanwhile, severe internal fractures have emerged within the camp.
Midfielder Pape Gueye publicly declared his international retirement under the current technical crew, citing deep-seated squad tensions.
Back home, furious supporters have launched an online petition demanding the immediate sacking of head coach Pape Thiaw, capping off a thoroughly disastrous campaign both on and off the North American pitch.
