Senegal fire head coach Pape Thiaw after World Cup knockout

Senegal Football Federation (FSF) has fired Pape Thiaw as the manager of the Teranga Lions after Senegal was knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to a statement issued Sunday, the sacking is following the defeat of Senegal, who lost 3–2 after squandering a two-goal lead to Belgium in the round of 32 of the World Cup.

Thiaw took charge of the team last December and led Senegal to a disappointing World Cup in which they lost the first two games in their group stage against France and Norway. The 5–0 win against Iraq helped them progress as one of the third-place qualifiers.

The FSF said the termination followed “a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team,” adding that the move was made “in the best interests of Senegalese football”.

The sacking has come amid increasing tension within the team. Just days following their failure in the World Cup, midfielder Pape Gueye quit playing for his country on a temporary basis until some changes would be made to the technical staff.

The controversial dismissal of Thiaw occurred amid controversy that arose from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final match between Senegal and Morocco in 2025.

In that game, Thiaw instructed his team to leave the field during the last seconds when a penalty was awarded to the hosts.

Despite Senegal going back onto the field to eventually win in extra time, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reversed the result and awarded the victory to Morocco while disqualifying Senegal from the competition because of their walkout.

FSF has appealed against the decision of CAF to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) with an aim to restore the trophy.

It is anticipated that a new head coach will be named shortly before next matches. No interim head coach has been appointed yet.