In a game Senegal dominated and led 2-0, Belgium turned the screw to win the game 3-2 in extra-time. Diaw was in goal during the game having replaced first-choice Edouard Mendy, who was out injured.
After Mendy started in the opening 3-1 defeat against France, he started in the second game against Norway, but was not able to finish it after he suffered an injury to his left knee and was replaced by Diaw.
Diaw went on to start as Senegal hammered Iraq 5-0 to seal their spot in the Round of 16. Against Belgium, Mendy was not fit to start and Diaw was given another opportunity to stand between the sticks.
Diaw has taken to social media to apologise for his mistake on Belgium’s second goal, which was scored by Youri Tielemans, after he rose to beat the keeper, who had come out of his line to save the situation.
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‘I don't need to watch the replays’
“Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. And I don't need to watch the replays to know that I bear some responsibility,” wrote Diaw, who plays for Le Havre.
“As a goalkeeper, you live with these kinds of moments. A single action can erase everything that came before. It's a pain that only those who have held this position can truly understand.”
Diaw added: “A childhood dream... To wear the colours of Senegal in a World Cup. Since I was a child, I imagined this moment thousands of times. I never imagined it would end with such emptiness.
“But I don't want this elimination to make people forget what this team has built in recent years. Behind every victory, every qualification, and every emotion, there are immense sacrifices, hours of work behind the scenes, injuries, moments of doubt, and a group that never stopped believing.”
Diaw continued: “Today, I feel immense sadness. For my teammates, who gave everything. For our families. And above all, for an entire nation that dreamed with us. I am sorry. Sorry I couldn't take you further. I will carry this pain with me for a long time.
“But it will never change the love I have for this jersey, nor the pride I feel in having represented my country on the biggest stage in football.”
Diaw concluded: “Sometimes the biggest scars become the greatest strengths. I will come back with even more determination, because this badge deserves to be reclaimed, no matter the challenges.”
‘It’s completely false’
Meanwhile, Senegal’s best player at the World Cup Ismaila Sarr has dismissed claims that he was involved in an alleged altercation with midfielder Pape Gueye.
According to some reports, Sarr was said to have had a misunderstanding with his teammates.
“I also want to put an end to a rumour that's been circulating: there was never any altercation between Pape Gueye and me. It's completely false. In difficult times, some people try to create divisions.
“Our response will always be the same: to remain united,” said Sarr, who scored four goals and provided one assist in the global tournament.
“We understand your disappointment, because it's ours too. We had the same dream as you and we are the first to be saddened that we couldn't give you more. But a defeat, however painful, shouldn't erase everything we've built together."
The Crystal Palace forward further said Senegal have now shifted to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be co-hosted in East Africa, saying their aim is to defend the crown.
“In a year, we will have a continental title to defend. This work begins today. We will learn from it, we will come back stronger, and we will need you again, just as you can always count on us,” said Sarr.
“Let’s stay united. It is through unity, faith, and hard work that the greatest stories are written.”
During the qualifiers to the 2027 edition, Senegal have been drawn into Group J alongside Mozambique, Sudan, and Ethiopia.
The qualifying matches will be held across three FIFA international windows between September 2026 and March 2027, with the top two teams from the group advancing to the tournament.
The 2027 edition will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania and is scheduled to take place from June 19 to July 18, 2027.
A total of 48 nations are competing in this qualification group stage, divided into 12 groups of four teams.
