Senegal Sack Coach Pape Thiaw After World Cup Exit

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has dismissed head coach Pape Thiaw following the country’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The federation announced the decision on Sunday, confirming that the entire national team coaching crew had also been relieved of their duties.

In a statement, the FSF said the decision was reached after a meeting of its executive committee.

“Following a meeting of the executive committee, it was decided to initiate proceedings to relieve national team coach Pape Thiaw, as well as the entire coaching staff, of their duties,” the federation said.

The federation added that its president, Abdoulaye Fall, would address a press conference on Monday to explain the reasons behind the decision and unveil plans for the future of the national team.

Thiaw, a 45-year-old former Senegal international, was appointed head coach in 2024 and becomes one of several national team managers to lose their job following their country’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup.

Senegal endured a turbulent campaign in the tournament. The Lions of Teranga suffered defeats to France and Norway during the group stage before reviving their hopes with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Iraq to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

However, their World Cup journey came to a painful end in the Round of 32 after they squandered a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 to Belgium after extra time.

Senegal had looked on course for qualification after racing into a 2-0 lead, but Belgium staged a remarkable comeback, scoring twice in the closing stages of normal time before netting the winner in extra time.

Despite leading Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year, Thiaw’s tenure came under scrutiny after the team was stripped of the continental title following their controversial walk-off during the final against Morocco.

The Senegalese federation is now expected to begin the search for a new coach as preparations begin for upcoming international competitions and the next phase of the team’s rebuilding process.