Senegal's World Cup Exit: Koulibaly Blamed for 5 of 6 Goals
Kalidou Koulibaly was criticized for being at fault for five of the six goals Senegal conceded in the 2026 World Cup.
June 23, 2026
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Source: rmcsport.bfmtv.com
Image: rmcsport.bfmtv.com
Senegal's disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup has led to criticism of captain Kalidou Koulibaly, with analysts pointing to his defensive errors as a key factor. According to post-match analysis, Koulibaly was deemed responsible for five of the six goals Senegal conceded during the tournament.
The 34-year-old center-back, who plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, was singled out for his positioning and decision-making in critical moments. Senegal's campaign ended in the group stage after losses to the Netherlands and Ecuador, with only a win against Qatar.
Coach Aliou CissΓ© defended his captain, stating that the team's defensive issues were collective. However, fans and pundits have called for a rebuild of the squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
β Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals did Senegal concede in the 2026 World Cup?
Senegal conceded six goals in the 2026 World Cup, with Kalidou Koulibaly blamed for five of them.
Who is Kalidou Koulibaly?
Kalidou Koulibaly is a Senegalese professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Al-Hilal and captains the Senegal national team.
What was Senegal's record in the 2026 World Cup?
Senegal won one match (against Qatar) and lost two (against the Netherlands and Ecuador), failing to advance past the group stage.
