Senegal Part Ways With Coach Pape Thiaw After World Cup Exit

Posted : 13 July 2026

The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) has dismissed head coach Pape Thiaw following the Teranga Lions' elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Round of 32.

The decision was announced after a meeting of the FSF Executive Committee, which said it had carried out a comprehensive review of the national team's recent performances and long-term prospects before deciding to end Thiaw's tenure.

Thiaw was appointed Senegal head coach in December 2024 and guided the team to the expanded 48-team World Cup. Senegal endured a difficult start to the tournament, losing their opening Group I matches to France and Norway.

However, the Teranga Lions responded with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Iran in their final group game. The result was enough to see them progress to the knockout stage as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.

Senegal's World Cup campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion against Belgium in Seattle. Thiaw's side appeared on course for victory after taking a 2-0 lead with only five minutes of normal time remaining.

Belgium mounted a dramatic comeback by scoring twice late in the match to force extra time. The European side then completed the turnaround when Youri Tielemans converted a decisive penalty, sealing a 3-2 victory and ending Senegal's hopes of progressing further in the competition.

Following the defeat, the FSF confirmed that it had initiated the process to terminate the contracts of Thiaw and his entire technical staff.

In an official statement, the federation said: "The Senegalese Football Federation informs the public that following the meeting of the Executive Committee held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, it was decided to initiate a procedure to terminate the functions of the national coach, Mr Pape Thiaw, as well as his entire technical staff."

The statement added that the decision followed "a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team" and was taken in the best interests of Senegalese football.

The dismissal brings an end to Thiaw's spell in charge after less than two years at the helm. Attention will now turn to the appointment of a new head coach as Senegal begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and future international competitions.

The Teranga Lions remain one of Africa's strongest national teams, and the federation will be hoping a new manager can build on the country's recent successes and return the team to contention on the continental and global stage.

Senegal Part Ways With Coach Pape Thiaw After World Cup Exit

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics