Senegal Sack Head Coach Pape Thiaw After Poor World Cup Run

Senegal Sack Head Coach Pape Thiaw After Poor World Cup Run
Entire coaching staff were also relieved of their duties.
FSF president will outline the federation’s next steps on Monday.

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

The federation announced the decision on Sunday after a meeting of its executive committee, confirming that Thiaw and his entire coaching staff had been relieved of their duties.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement, the federation said:

“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 also disclosed that its president, Abdoulaye Fall, will address the media on Monday to explain the reasons behind the decision and outline the next steps for the national team.

Thiaw, 45, was appointed head coach of the Lions of Teranga in 2024 after previously serving within the national team’s coaching set-up. His dismissal makes him one of several national team managers to lose their jobs following disappointing performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Senegal endured a difficult tournament in North America, suffering group-stage defeats to France and Norway before reviving their hopes with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Iraq to qualify for the knockout stage.

However, their World Cup journey ended dramatically in the Round of 32 against Belgium.

The Lions of Teranga appeared to be heading for victory after establishing a 2-0 lead, only for Belgium to stage a stunning late comeback. The Red Devils scored twice in the closing minutes to force extra time before completing a remarkable 3-2 victory to eliminate Senegal from the tournament.

Despite guiding Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year, Thiaw’s achievements were overshadowed after the team was stripped of the continental title following their decision to walk off the pitch during the controversial final against Morocco.

The Senegalese Football Federation is now expected to begin the search for a new head coach as preparations begin for the country’s upcoming international competitions.