Senegal sack Pape Thiaw after painful World Cup exit
Senegal have dismissed head coach Pape Thiaw following the Teranga Lions' disappointing exit at the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Thiaw, who took charge of the national team in December 2024, endured a difficult campaign in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Senegal opened their tournament with back-to-back defeats to France and Norway before bouncing back in style with a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq, a result that secured one of the best third-placed spots and a place in the knockout rounds.
Their World Cup journey, however, came to a heartbreaking end against Belgium. The Teranga Lions raced into a 2-0 lead but suffered a dramatic collapse, conceding two late goals before losing 3-2 after extra-time through a decisive penalty.
The defeat sparked criticism within the squad, with midfielder Pape Gueye announcing he would step away from international football for the time being while the current management remained in charge.
In a statement, the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) said the decision to relieve Thiaw of his duties followed a comprehensive review of the team's performances and future direction, adding that the move was made "in the best interests of Senegalese football."
Thiaw's departure also comes against the backdrop of the country's lingering AFCON controversy. Senegal had entered the World Cup after challenging the Confederation of African Football's decision to strip them of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title following a controversial final in which Thiaw played a central role. The coach is also due to begin a five-match suspension in September over his conduct during that match.
CAF officially awarded the 2025 AFCON title to Morocco in March after overturning the original result, but Senegal have taken the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as they continue their fight to have the championship restored.
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