​Senegal have parted ways with head coach Pape Thiaw following their elimination in the last-32 stage of the 2026 World Cup. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) confirmed the decision on Sunday in a statement that explained the move: “After a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team, the Executive Committee deemed it necessary to initiate this procedure in the best interests of Senegalese football.”
The national team arrived at the World Cup with high expectations, riding on the crest of AFCON glory as the reigning champions. Their campaign in North America, however, began on a discordant note as Senegal lost their opening two group-stage matches to France and Norway. Despite those defeats, the Lions of Teranga managed to advance to the knockout rounds by finishing as one of the best third-placed teams, propelled by a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq. Yet their journey ended in the round of 32 with a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Belgium, even though they had led 2-0 in the 86th minute.
Thiaw took charge of the national side in 2024 and guided Senegal to AFCON glory in January by defeating Morocco in the final. His tenure, however, has not been without controversy. In a highly disputed moment, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripped Senegal of the AFCON title two months later after Thiaw became a central figure in a dramatic incident: he led his players off the pitch when Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. The players returned to the field, Brazil-born Brahim Diaz’s spot-kick was saved, and Senegal looked set to win the match in extra time. CAF subsequently overturned the result in March, declaring Morocco as the victors.
Senegal has since appealed CAF’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking to reclaim the title. The World Cup departure and the volatile AFCON episode culminated in a decision to part ways with Thiaw, framing a period of transition for Senegal as they chart a path forward in search of stability and renewed success on the international stage.