Senegal have dismissed head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw following the country’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Senegalese Football Federation saying the team’s performances at the tournament made a managerial change unavoidable.
The Lions of Teranga entered the World Cup with high expectations after lifting the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations title in January, defeating Morocco in the final to reaffirm their status as one of Africa’s leading football nations.
However, those expectations quickly faded during the global showpiece. Senegal suffered defeats to France and Norway in their opening two Group Stage matches, leaving them on the brink of elimination.
Although they reached the knockout stage, their campaign ended in dramatic fashion after surrendering a 2-0 advantage with just five minutes remaining against Belgium in the Round of 32 before eventually losing 3-2 after extra time.
Thiaw, 45, was also facing disciplinary action away from the World Cup. He was due to begin a five-match suspension in September during the opening fixtures of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after leading his players off the pitch in protest over the penalty awarded to Morocco during the AFCON final in Rabat.
The federation is expected to outline its next steps during a press conference scheduled for Monday.
Meanwhile, French newspaper L’Equipe has reported that former France international and World Cup winner Patrick Vieira, who was born in Dakar, is among the leading candidates to replace Thiaw as Senegal’s next head coach.
