Everton's contract negotiations with Idrissa Gueye will advance if Senegal fail to beat Iraq on Friday and exit the World Cup. The midfielder, who turns 37 in September, has started both of Senegal's matches at the tournament, but they have lost both games at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.
Senegal's World Cup campaign
Senegal lost 3-1 to France, with Gueye playing 88 minutes, and then 3-2 to Norway on Tuesday, where he played the full 90 minutes. Gueye sought a penalty after a collision with Norway's Wolverhampton Wanderers defender David Moller Wolfe, but Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio deemed it accidental. BBC Sport commentator Jonathan Pearce noted that Gueye "really put in a big shift" for his country, extending his record caps total to 133.
Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr scored twice for Senegal, but goals from Marcus Pedersen and Erling Haaland (brace) secured Norway's win. France and Norway each have six points, leaving Senegal's hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams dependent on beating Iraq.
Contract situation
Everton announced on June 10 that they are liaising with Gueye's representatives over his future, with his current deal expiring at the end of June. The ECHO understands talks have been paused while Gueye is at the World Cup, but an early exit would refocus discussions on his club future. He signed a one-year contract on July 7 last year with an option for a further year, but his 25 appearances in the 2025/26 season—missing seven games for Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations victory, later overturned in favor of Morocco—were insufficient to trigger the extension.
Gueye's Everton career
Gueye first joined Everton from Aston Villa a decade ago and has made 236 appearances across two spells, scoring 10 goals. His teammate Iliman Ndiaye, who remains on the bench for Senegal, had earlier declared in an interview that he believed Senegal would win the World Cup.
