**Pape Thiaw Fired as Senegal Coach Following World Cup Disappointment**
**Dakar, Senegal** – Pape Thiaw has been dismissed from his position as head coach of the Senegal national football team, following a disappointing performance at the FIFA World Cup. The announcement was made on Saturday, July 12, 2026, after Senegal's early exit from the tournament raised concerns about the team's direction.
Thiaw, who held the coaching role for 19 months, was appointed with high expectations. Senegal had recently triumphed at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January, defeating Morocco in the final. This victory had fueled hopes that the team would be strong contenders at the World Cup. However, the tournament proved to be a stark contrast to those aspirations.
During the World Cup, Senegal faced a challenging group stage, losing their first two matches against France and Norway. The team was eliminated in the knockout stage after a dramatic encounter with Belgium, where they squandered a 2-0 lead with just five minutes remaining, ultimately falling 3-2 in extra time. This series of results prompted the Senegalese Football Federation to seek a change in leadership.
Thiaw’s tenure was not without controversy. He was set to begin a five-match ban in September due to a previous incident in which he led a walk-off by players in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco during the 2025 AFCON final. This incident had already cast a shadow over his coaching career and may have influenced the decision to part ways.
As Senegal looks to rebuild and prepare for future competitions, speculation surrounding Thiaw's successor has begun. Reports suggest that Patrick Vieira, a former French World Cup winner and native of Dakar, is among the frontrunners to take over the coaching role. Vieira’s experience and connection to Senegalese football could make him a strong candidate to lead the national team in its next chapter.
The Senegalese Football Federation has not yet announced any official plans regarding the search for a new coach or the direction they intend to take in the upcoming qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. As the federation navigates this transition, the focus will be on restoring confidence and performance levels within the team.