Senegal have dismissed head coach Pape Thiaw following the country’s exit in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to his tenure less than two years after taking charge.
The Senegal Football Federation confirmed the decision, saying it had followed “a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team” and had been made in the best interests of Senegalese football.
Thiaw, appointed in December 2024, guided the Teranga Lions through a difficult group stage. Defeats to France and Norway left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread before a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq secured one of the tournament’s best third-placed berths.
Their campaign ended in dramatic fashion against Belgium. Senegal appeared to be in complete control after opening a two-goal lead, only to concede twice late in normal time before suffering a 3-2 defeat after extra-time penalties.
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The aftermath of the elimination exposed growing tensions within the squad. Midfielder Pape Gueye announced he would step away from international football while the existing coaching staff remained in place, adding to the pressure on the federation to act.
Thiaw’s spell in charge was also overshadowed by the ongoing fallout from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. Senegal initially lifted the trophy after defeating Morocco, despite a controversial incident in which Thiaw led his players off the pitch following a disputed stoppage-time penalty award.
Although Senegal returned to complete the match and ultimately prevailed, the Confederation of African Football later overturned the result and awarded the title to Morocco. Senegal have appealed that decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and continue to seek reinstatement as African champions.