The Senegal Football Federation has officially dismissed coach Pape Thiaw, 45, citing the team’s underwhelming performance at the World Cup as the reason for the leadership change.
After winning the Africa Cup of Nations in January against Morocco, Senegal aimed to be one of the favorites at the 2026 World Cup. However, the team’s journey was disappointing, losing their first two group stage matches against France and Norway, and failing to hold a 2-0 lead against Belgium, ultimately losing 3-2 in extra time during the Round of 16.
These results proved fatal for Thiaw, who was informed of his dismissal just days after the tournament ended, according to reports.
Senegal Coach Thiaw Fired Post-World Cup
During a recent Executive Committee meeting, the Senegal Football Federation announced the initiation of dismissal procedures for both Thiaw and his entire coaching staff.
In September, Thiaw faced a five-match suspension at the outset of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after removing his players from the field in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco in the final in Rabat.
French newspaper L’Équipe reported that Patrick Vieira, a World Cup champion with France and originally from Dakar, is among the favorites to succeed Thiaw. The Senegalese Federation has scheduled a press conference for Monday to announce further developments regarding the national team.
This dismissal adds to a lengthy list of coaches who have either resigned or been let go following the World Cup, including Miroslav Koubek (Czech Republic), Steve Clarke (Scotland), Hong Myung-bo (South Korea), Herve Renard (Tunisia), Julian Nagelsmann (Germany), Zlatko Dalic (Croatia), and Hugo Broos (South Africa).
