Senegal have parted ways with head coach Pape Thiaw and his entire technical team after the country’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) announced the decision following the Lions of Teranga’s Round of 32 elimination, bringing Thiaw’s reign to an end less than two years after he was appointed.
Senegal had entered the tournament with high expectations after progressing from the group stage, but their campaign ended in dramatic fashion as they threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Belgium after extra time.
The painful defeat sparked widespread criticism from supporters and football analysts, many of whom questioned the team’s tactics, substitutions and inability to see out the match.
In response, the FSF dismissed Thiaw along with his entire backroom staff as part of a major shake-up ahead of future competitions.
Thiaw took charge in 2024 after replacing Aliou Cissé and led Senegal to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while also overseeing the team’s campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite those achievements, the federation believes a change in leadership is necessary as it begins preparations for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers and the next World Cup qualifying campaign.
The FSF is expected to name a new head coach in the coming weeks as Senegal aims to return to challenging for major international honours.
