Senegal’s Painful Exit Gets Worse After Federation Fails to Arrange Flight Home

Rabat – Senegal’s national team remains stuck in Seattle after its elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Senegalese media reports.

The Lions of Teranga were knocked out on Wednesday after a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium in extra time.

Senegal had led 2-0 before Belgium came back late in the match and scored the winning goal from a penalty in extra time.

The defeat ended Senegal’s World Cup campaign painfully and left the team waiting to return home.

According to SeneNews, citing the special correspondent of Senegal’s public broadcaster RTS, no reservation had been registered for the national team’s return flight to Dakar.

The report said there was no confirmed booking under the Senegalese Football Federation with several airlines, including Blue Jet, Delta and United Airlines.

The situation has delayed the return of players, technical staff and officials who were expected to leave Seattle after the team’s elimination.

The delegation had reportedly prepared to leave its hotel and head to the airport, but the departure plan remained uncertain because no flight had been confirmed.

Federation working with FIFA

The Senegalese Football Federation is now working with FIFA to find a special flight for the delegation, according to the same report.

Senegalese outlet Afrique Sports also reported that the squad returned to its hotel after several hours at the airport, with no immediate solution available.

The team could leave the United States on Saturday if a special flight is secured.

The delay has drawn criticism in Senegal, with reporters questioning why the federation did not prepare a return plan in advance.

One RTS correspondent said the federation appeared to have been surprised by the elimination and should have anticipated the possibility of an early return.

Another problem after painful exit

The travel issue adds to a difficult few days for Senegal.

The team’s defeat to Belgium already caused frustration among supporters after the Lions of Teranga lost a two-goal lead and conceded a late penalty.

The result also exposed tensions inside the squad, with midfielder Pape Gueye later saying he would not return to the national team under the current coaching staff.

Senegal’s campaign had started with hope, but it ended with disappointment on the pitch and confusion off it.

The federation has not yet issued a detailed public explanation for the reported travel problem.

For now, Senegal’s players remain in Seattle, waiting for a confirmed route back to Dakar.