Senegal sack coach Pape Thiaw after World Cup exit

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has sacked Pape
Thiaw as head coach of the Teranga Lions following the team’s early exit from
the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

 

The decision, announced in a statement on Sunday, comes
after Senegal squandered a two-goal lead to lose 3–2 to Belgium in extra time
during the round of 32.

Thiaw, appointed in December 2024, oversaw a rocky
tournament in which Senegal lost their opening two group matches to France and
Norway. A 5–0 thrashing of Iraq allowed them to advance as one of the best
third-placed teams, but they were unable to build on that momentum against
Belgium.

Communiqué de la FSF à l’issue de la réunion du Comité exécutif tenue ce samedi 11 juillet 2026 pic.twitter.com/P17O8eDz6W

— FSF (@Fsfofficielle) July 12, 2026

The FSF said the termination followed “a thorough evaluation
of the sporting results and prospects of the national team,” adding that the
move was made “in the best interests of Senegalese football”.

The dismissal also follows growing friction within the
squad. Shortly after the World Cup exit, midfielder Pape Gueye announced a
temporary retirement from international duty, vowing not to return until
changes were made to the technical crew.

Thiaw’s tenure was further overshadowed by controversy
stemming from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco.

In that match, Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch after
a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to the host nation.

Though Senegal later returned and won in extra time, the
Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the result, declaring
Morocco champions and stripping Senegal of the title due to the walk-off.

The FSF has appealed CAF’s decision at the Court of
Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in an effort to reinstate the trophy.

The federation is expected to announce a new head coach
ahead of upcoming international fixtures. No interim appointment has been named
at this time.

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