The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) has started the process of dismissing head coach Pape Thiaw and his entire technical staff following the team’s exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the Round of 32. The decision was made by the FSF Executive Committee, considering the team’s performance at the tournament and its future prospects.
Thiaw had been leading the national team since December 2024 but faced challenges during the World Cup. Senegal suffered defeats in their first two Group I matches against France and Norway, jeopardizing their advancement to the knockout stage. Despite this, a significant 5-0 win over Iran in the final group game secured Senegal’s progression as the lowest-ranked third-placed team.
Senegal’s World Cup journey concluded in a heartbreaking manner against Belgium in the Round of 32 in Seattle. Despite holding a 2-0 lead until late in regulation time, Belgium staged a remarkable comeback, scoring twice in the final minutes to force extra time. Youri Tielemans’ late penalty secured a 3-2 victory for Belgium, ending Senegal’s campaign.
The FSF announced the decision to dismiss Coach Thiaw and his staff after evaluating the team’s performance and future direction. The move was deemed necessary in light of Senegal’s elimination from the World Cup and a comprehensive review of the national team’s results and prospects.
