Senegal has dismissed head coach Pape Thiaw after the national team's elimination from the World Cup round of 32, according to a statement from the Senegalese Football Federation on Sunday.
World Cup exit triggers coaching change
The decision came after Senegal lost 2-1 to Belgium in Seattle on July 1, 2026, ending their tournament run. The federation cited the need for a new direction as the reason for the firing.
Pape Thiaw, who took over as head coach in 2024, had led Senegal through the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup qualifying campaign. Under his tenure, the team showed promise but failed to advance past the round of 32 in the World Cup.
Reaction and next steps
“We thank Pape Thiaw for his service and dedication to the national team. However, after a thorough review, we believe a change is necessary to achieve our future goals,” said a federation spokesperson.
The search for a new head coach has already begun, with the federation aiming to appoint a replacement before the next international break in September. Senegal's next major competition is the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.
Thiaw's firing marks the second coaching change among African teams following World Cup elimination, as several nations reassess their strategies after early exits.
