Senegal football team stranded in Seattle after World Cup loss

The Senegal national football team, eliminated by Belgium after squandering a 2‑0 lead in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, faced a logistical crisis when the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) failed to book return flights from Seattle. Players and staff were left at a hotel overnight with no flight, forcing the delegation to return to the airport and wait for hours before finally being escorted back to their hotel.

The mishap exposed broader administrative problems: the coach Pape Thiaw was reportedly without a signed contract and owed back pay, bonuses for the team remained unpaid, and the federation’s choice of a low‑budget hotel led to complaints about food and security. Several players, including midfielder Pape Gueye, announced they would not return to the national team while the current coaching staff remained in charge. The FSF has engaged FIFA to arrange travel, while also confronting accusations of internal mismanagement, contract disputes, and alleged hotel disturbances.

These issues have sparked public outcry in Senegal, with calls for a review of the federation’s leadership and the future of coach Thiaw.