Senegal Sacks Coach After Reaching World Cup Round of 32

Senegal fired national team coach Pape Thiaw on Saturday after the side's elimination in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. The Senegal Football Federation said the decision followed a thorough evaluation of the team's sporting results and prospects and was taken in the best interests of Senegalese football. Thiaw, 45, had been in charge since December 2024.

Senegal lost its opening group matches to France and Norway before defeating Iraq 5-0. The team finished third in its group and advanced to the knockout stage as one of the best-placed third-placed sides. In the round of 32 it led Belgium 2-0 before conceding two late goals and a penalty in extra time to lose 3-2.

Midfielder Pape Gueye said he would take a break from playing for Senegal while the current management remained in charge. Thiaw was due to begin a five-match ban in September at the start of the 2027 Cup of Nations qualifiers. The ban stemmed from an incident in the January 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final when he led the team off the field for about 17 minutes after Morocco received a stoppage-time penalty.

Senegal appealed a Confederation of African Football decision that stripped it of the 2025 title and has taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. French daily L’Equipe reported that Patrick Vieira was among the favourites to take over as coach.