Senegal have reportedly been left stranded in Seattle following its elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after problems emerged over arrangements for the squad’s journey back to Dakar.
According to Senegalese media reports, the Lions of Teranga have been unable to leave the United States because no confirmed return flight had been secured for the delegation after Wednesday’s defeat to Belgium.
The team’s World Cup campaign came to an end in dramatic fashion as Belgium recovered from two goals down to claim a 3-2 victory after extra time. Senegal had appeared to be on course for a place in the next round before Belgium mounted a late comeback and sealed the win with a penalty during extra time.
The defeat marked a painful conclusion to Senegal’s tournament and has now been followed by uncertainty over the team’s return home.
Senegalese news outlet SeneNews, quoting the special correspondent of the country’s public broadcaster RTS, reported that there was no reservation in place for the national team’s flight back to Dakar.
According to the report, checks with several airlines, including Blue Jet, Delta and United Airlines, found no confirmed booking made under the name of the Senegalese Football Federation.
The reported lack of travel arrangements has delayed the departure of the players, coaching staff and federation officials, who had expected to leave Seattle shortly after their World Cup exit.
Reports said the delegation had prepared to check out of its hotel and travel to the airport, only for uncertainty to surround the planned departure because no flight had been confirmed.
The Senegalese Football Federation is now working alongside FIFA in an effort to secure a special flight for the delegation, according to the same reports.
Another Senegalese media outlet, Afrique Sports, also said the squad spent several hours at the airport before eventually returning to its hotel after no immediate solution could be found.
The reports suggest the team could leave the United States on Saturday if arrangements for a special flight are successfully completed.
The situation has prompted criticism in Senegal, with some journalists questioning why return travel plans had not already been put in place in case the national team exited the tournament before the latter stages.
One RTS correspondent said the federation appeared to have been caught off guard by Senegal’s elimination and argued that the possibility of an early departure should have been anticipated.
The travel disruption comes at the end of a difficult period for Senegal, whose World Cup campaign concluded with disappointment both on and off the field.
Supporters had already been left frustrated after seeing their side surrender a two-goal advantage against Belgium before conceding the decisive penalty in extra time.
The aftermath of the defeat also brought signs of unrest within the squad. Midfielder Pape Gueye later stated that he would not return to the national team while the current coaching staff remained in charge.
Senegal had entered the tournament with optimism, but their campaign ended with a dramatic defeat followed by uncertainty over their journey home.
The Senegalese Football Federation has not yet provided a detailed public explanation regarding the reported travel difficulties.
For now, the Lions of Teranga remain in Seattle awaiting confirmation of a flight that will finally take them back to Dakar.
