Senegal have become one of the first major nations to make a coaching change after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, dismissing head coach Pape Thiaw following the team’s disappointing exit in the round of 32.
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) announced the decision after reviewing the Lions of Teranga’s performances at the tournament, where they failed to meet expectations despite progressing to the knockout stage.
“After a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team and in the best interests of Senegalese football, Pape Thiaw has been dismissed,” the federation said in a statement.
Senegal’s World Cup journey ended in heartbreaking fashion after surrendering a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Belgium, with the decisive goal coming in the closing minutes of the contest.
The West Africans struggled throughout the group stage, opening with defeats to France and Norway before producing a dominant 5-0 victory over Qatar. That lone win was enough to see them advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams, but they were unable to build on it in the knockout rounds.
Thiaw had only been in charge since December 2024, when he succeeded long-serving coach Aliou Cissé. During his tenure, he guided Senegal to victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, although the title was later revoked following the chaotic final in Rabat.
Senegal have since challenged that decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
His dismissal marks the end of a brief but eventful spell in charge as Senegal begin the search for a new coach ahead of their upcoming international assignments.
