World Cup manager SACKED days after crushing last-32 defeat with Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira tipped to replace him

SENEGAL have sacked manager Pape Thiaw after a heartbreaking World Cup elimination and could replace him with Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.

Thiaw, 45, oversaw a hapless campaign as he lost his first two matches in the group stage to France and Norway before a 5-0 win over Iraq barely led to a third-placed finish and qualification to the last-32.

That is where the Lions of Teranga surrendered a 2-0 lead in the last five minutes of the game and lost 3-2 to Belgium, who ended their disappointing campaign in the United Stares, Canada and Mexico.

The Senegalese Football Federation thus decided to part ways with their former international citing the recent unsatisfactory results.

Senegal hoped to be serious contenders at the World Cup after beating Morocco in January’s Africa Cup of Nations final.

According to L’Equipe, Vieira, 50, is among the favourites to take over at the African giants’ helm.

The ex-Crystal Palace boss, who was born in Senegal’s capital Dakar, is currently a free agent.

Senegal‘s federation has called a press conference for Monday to address the latest developments.

Thiaw was due to begin a five-match ban in September at the start of the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.

That is after the Senegalese tactician led a walk-off during the 2025 Copa Africa final in Morocco.

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That was in protest at a late penalty the hosts were awarded after a goal by Palace star Ismaila Sarr was also controversially ruled out.

The players ultimately returned to the pitch and ended up picking up a dramatic 1-0 victory.

Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved by Edouard Mendy and Pape Gueye scored the winner during extra-time.

But Senegal were stripped of the title due to their walkout and Morocco were awarded a 3-0 victory.

The Lions of Teranga have appealed the decision and taken it to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

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