The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has confirmed that Pape Thiaw has been relieved of his duties as national team head coach after Senegal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign came to an end.
In North America, The Lions of Teranga emerged from a highly competitive Group I despite defeats to France (3-1) and Norway (3-2) after a convincing 5-0 victory over Iraq enabled Thiaw’s side to progress to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.
In the Round of 32, Senegal were eliminated by Belgium (3-2 after extra time) following a dramatic encounter in which they surrendered a two-goal lead with just five minutes of the game remaining.
Also read: Breaking down the four potential World Cup finals
Thiaw also appeared at the FIFA World Cup as a player for Senegal, with the forward part of the squad that reached the quarter-finals at Korea/Japan 2002 – memorably defeating France 1-0 in the tournament’s opening match and overcoming Sweden 2-1 after extra time in the Round of 16 to progress.
A former assistant to Aliou Cisse, Thiaw succeeded his former team-mate in 2024. Initially appointed on an interim basis, he was confirmed as permanent head coach two months later after producing strong results during qualification for the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
Under Thiaw, Senegal consolidated its status as one of Africa’s strongest national teams. The Lions of Teranga completed their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign unbeaten before enjoying an outstanding run to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. They also returned to the knockout stage of the World Cup, four years after their Round of 16 elimination by England (3-0).
In a statement, the Senegalese Football Federation confirmed Thiaw’s departure, saying: “The decision had been taken to terminate the professional relationship with the national coach, Pape Thiaw, as well as with his technical staff. After a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team, the [FSF’s] Executive Committee has deemed it necessary to do so in the best interest of Senegalese football.”
The FSF has not yet named Thiaw’s successor, but whoever takes over will be tasked with continuing the development of a talented generation of players, with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup 2030™ firmly in their sights.