Iliman Ndiaye was part of the Senegal squad that lost to Belgium in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup
Ibrahim Mbaye of Senegal is consoled by Iliman Ndiaye after the team's 2-3 defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match with Belgium. Photo by Jared C. Tilton - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Ibrahim Mbaye of Senegal is consoled by Iliman Ndiaye after the team's 2-3 defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match with Belgium. Photo by Jared C. Tilton - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
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Iliman Ndiaye broke his silence after Senegal’s World Cup exit with an emotional statement on social media.
The Everton winger took to Instagram to acknowledge the Lions of Teranga had “not met expectations” but to promise the country would overcome the disappointment.
Senegal were knocked out in the round of 32 by Belgium after finishing third in a group that contained France, Norway and Iraq.
It was perhaps the manner of Senegal’s defeat rather than who they lost to that provided the biggest source of frustration for the players and their supporters.
Goals in each half from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr were just reward for the Lions of Teranga's dominance as they overwhelmed a Belgian side that appeared to have no answer despite the talent in their squad.
But with one foot in the last 16 and a tie that would have been against the USA, Senegal conceded two goals in the final four minutes and then lost to a penalty in the stoppage time of extra-time.
Ndiaye and his former Everton team-mate Idrissa Gueye started the match.
The former had come off the bench to score in the 5-0 win over Iraq while the latter was key throughout the tournament.
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 26: Iliman Ndiaye #13 of Senegal celebrates after scoring his team's fifth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Senegal and Iraq at Toronto Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Joosep Martinson - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Everton star Iliman Ndiaye made a huge impact off the bench as Senegal thrashed Iraq at the World Cup (Image: Joosep Martinson - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Gueye’s Blues contract expired last week, though he and the club may still continue discussions over his future.
Ndiaye was the first of the pair to open up online about the defeat to Belgium.
He wrote on Instagram: "We are aware that we have not met expectations. This shirt, its story, we had to do better. Thank you for your support throughout the competition.
"We'll come back stronger for the next periods, because for us nothing equals the pride of wearing the Senegalese jersey."
Everton return to pre-season training on Friday (July 10). Ndiaye and Gueye will not be present after, however, as they will be given extra time off after their stint at the World Cup.
Jordan Pickford, the Blues goalkeeper, remains at the tournament in North America, and he is expected to be between the posts when England face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday.