Senegal sacks manager Pape Thiaw after last-32 World Cup exit
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) dismissed the 45-year-old coach and his entire technical staff on Saturday, citing the national team's performance at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Federation dismisses Thiaw after World Cup exit
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) confirmed on Sunday that it had initiated a procedure to terminate the functions of head coach Pape Thiaw and his entire technical staff. The decision was made during an executive committee meeting held in Dakar on Saturday, July 11.
After a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team, the Executive Committee deemed it necessary to initiate this procedure in the best interests of Senegalese football.
FSF president Abdoulaye Fall is scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday to detail the reasons behind the leadership overhaul and to discuss the future of the national team.
The Seattle collapse
The catalyst for the dismissal was Senegal's elimination from the 2026 World Cup at the hands of Belgium in the round of 32. Playing in Seattle, the Teranga Lions held a commanding 2-0 lead until the 86th minute. The Belgian side staged a late comeback, scoring twice in the closing stages of regulation time to force extra time. In the added period, a penalty converted by Youri Tielemans sealed a 3-2 defeat for Senegal, extinguishing their tournament hopes.
- Lost to France (1-3)
- Lost to Norway (2-3)
- Defeated Iraq (5-0), qualified as best 3rd place team
- Lost to Belgium (2-3 a.e.t.) after leading 2-0 in 86th minute
- FSF Executive Committee votes to dismiss Thiaw
A rocky road to the knockouts
Progress to the knockout phase had been far from assured. Thiaw's side opened their Group I campaign with consecutive defeats, losing 3-1 to France and 3-2 to Norway. A resounding 5-0 victory over Iraq in their final group stage match was just enough to secure qualification as one of the eight best third-place sides in the expanded 48-team tournament.
- vs France
- 1
- vs Norway
- 2
- vs Iraq
- 5
- vs Belgium
- 2
Thiaw's brief but controversial tenure
Pape Thiaw, a 45-year-old former Senegal international, was appointed to the role in December 2024. His tenure will be remembered not only for the World Cup disappointment but also for the chaos surrounding the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final in January. Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch during the title decider against Morocco following a contentious refereeing decision. Senegal eventually returned to claim a victory on the pitch, but an appeals committee later overturned the result and awarded the trophy to Morocco.
I will be taking a break from playing for Senegal while the current management remained in charge.
Earlier in May, the FSF had "categorically" denied reports that Thiaw had initially refused to travel with the squad to the United States for pre-World Cup preparations, with speculation suggesting the standoff stemmed from his contract having expired in February.
Vieira in the frame
As Senegal looks to rebuild, the name of Patrick Vieira has circulated in French media outlets such as L'Equipe. The celebrated French midfielder, born in Dakar and a 1998 World Cup winner, is currently without a club after previous spells managing Genoa, Strasbourg, Crystal Palace, and OGC Nice. The FSF did not comment on potential successors in its official release, leaving the path open for Fall to outline his vision for the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations cycle.
