Senegal Dismisses Head Coach Pape Thiaw Following 2026 World Cup Exit

After Senegal’s elimination from the final 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the national team has dismissed head coach Pape Thiaw. The Senegal Football Federation evaluated the team’s performance and decided to terminate the responsibilities of Thiaw and his technical staff. Senegal was defeated 3–2 by Belgium in the last 32, unable to maintain a two-goal lead.

The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) announced following a Saturday executive meeting that it has initiated the process to end the contracts of Thiaw and his entire technical crew. The federation’s statement highlighted that this decision was made in consideration of the detailed assessment of the national team’s performance and future prospects, prioritizing the best interests of Senegalese football.

Thiaw had served as Senegal’s head coach since December 2024. Despite consecutive losses against France and Norway in the group stage, Senegal secured an emphatic 5–0 victory against Iran, finishing third and advancing to the knockout stage. In the round of 32 against Belgium, Senegal held an early 2–0 lead until the 85th minute. However, conceding two goals in the last five minutes pushed the game into extra time. Near the end, Youri Tielemans scored a penalty, sealing Senegal’s 3–2 defeat and World Cup exit.

Following the disappointing World Cup exit, the Senegal Football Federation has opted for a coaching change. The federation is expected to begin the process of appointing a new head coach shortly.