July 12, (THEWILL) — The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) has dismissed head coach Pape Thiaw following the Teranga Lions’ exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decision comes after Senegal’s disappointing Round of 32 elimination, with the federation saying the move was made after a comprehensive review of the national team’s performances and future direction.
Thiaw, who was appointed in December 2024, oversaw a difficult World Cup campaign in which Senegal lost their opening two group matches against France and Norway.
The Teranga Lions kept their hopes alive with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Iraq to secure one of the tournament’s best third-placed qualification spots and advance to the knockout stage.
However, their campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion against Belgium. Senegal surrendered a two-goal lead before conceding the decisive goal from a penalty in extra time to lose 3-2 in the Round of 32.
In the aftermath of the defeat, midfielder Pape Gueye announced he would be taking a break from international football while the current management remained in place, highlighting growing unrest within the national team.
Confirming Thiaw’s departure, the Senegal Football Federation said it had taken the decision “after a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team” and in the best interests of Senegalese football.
Thiaw’s tenure was also overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.
During the match, the Senegal coach led his players off the pitch after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. Although the team later returned and went on to win the final in extra time, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) subsequently overturned the result, awarding the title to Morocco after ruling against Senegal over the walk-off incident.
Senegal have appealed the CAF decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and remain hopeful of reclaiming the continental title.
The FSF is expected to begin the search for a new head coach as preparations get underway for the next phase of the team’s international programme.
