Senegal Sack Pape Thiaw After World Cup Exit
Senegal have dismissed head coach Pape Thiaw following the national team's exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Senegalese Football Federation announced on Sunday that Thiaw and his entire coaching staff had been relieved of their duties after an executive committee meeting.
In a statement, the federation said the decision was part of plans to begin a new chapter for the national team.
Federation president Abdoulaye Fall is expected to address the media on Monday to explain the reasons behind the dismissal and outline the team's future direction.
Thiaw, 45, took charge of the Lions of Teranga in 2024 after previously representing Senegal as a player.
Senegal's World Cup campaign ended in disappointment. The team lost to France and Norway during the group stage before keeping their hopes alive with a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq to reach the knockout phase.
However, their tournament came to a dramatic end in the Round of 32, where they squandered a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 to Belgium after extra time.
Senegal were leading 2-0 until the closing stages of normal time before Belgium staged a remarkable comeback.
Despite guiding Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year, Thiaw's position came under pressure after the team was stripped of the continental title following their walk-off during the controversial final against Morocco.
His departure adds to the growing list of national team coaches who have left their positions after their countries' exits from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Senegalese Football Federation announced on Sunday that Thiaw and his entire coaching staff had been relieved of their duties after an executive committee meeting.
In a statement, the federation said the decision was part of plans to begin a new chapter for the national team.
Federation president Abdoulaye Fall is expected to address the media on Monday to explain the reasons behind the dismissal and outline the team's future direction.
Thiaw, 45, took charge of the Lions of Teranga in 2024 after previously representing Senegal as a player.
Senegal's World Cup campaign ended in disappointment. The team lost to France and Norway during the group stage before keeping their hopes alive with a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq to reach the knockout phase.
However, their tournament came to a dramatic end in the Round of 32, where they squandered a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 to Belgium after extra time.
Senegal were leading 2-0 until the closing stages of normal time before Belgium staged a remarkable comeback.
Despite guiding Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year, Thiaw's position came under pressure after the team was stripped of the continental title following their walk-off during the controversial final against Morocco.
His departure adds to the growing list of national team coaches who have left their positions after their countries' exits from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
