Senegal have dismissed manager Pape Thiaw following the team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup in the last-32 round. The Teranga Lions, under Thiaw since December 2024, lost their first two group matches against France and Norway before thrashing Iraq 5-0 to scrape into the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams. In the round of 32, Senegal led Belgium 2-0 but conceded two late goals and a penalty in extra time to lose 3-2.
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) said in a statement that after a thorough evaluation of the team's results and future prospects, it had decided to part ways with Thiaw "in the best interests of Senegalese football."
The dismissal comes amid broader turmoil, including midfielder Pape Gueye's announcement that he would take a break from international duty while the current coaching staff remained. Senegal also faced controversy earlier this year when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripped them of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after Thiaw led his team off the pitch during the final against Morocco following a stoppage-time penalty decision. Senegal have appealed the CAF ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.