FIFA WC: Senegal sacks head coach Pape Thiaw after round of 32 exit
Dakar, July 12
The Senegal Football Federation has begun the process of terminating head coach Pape Thiaw and his entire technical staff following the Teranga Lions' dramatic exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the Round of 32.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the FSF Executive Committee on Saturday, with the federation citing the team's results at the tournament and its future prospects as key factors behind the move.
Thiaw had been in charge of the national team since December 2024 but endured a difficult World Cup campaign. Senegal lost their opening two Group I matches against France and Norway, leaving their hopes of reaching the knockout stage hanging by a thread.
However, a commanding 5-0 victory over Iran in their final group game proved enough for Senegal to advance as the lowest-ranked side among the best third-placed teams.
Their campaign came to a heartbreaking end against Belgium in the Round of 32 in Seattle. Senegal appeared to be heading for a place in the next round after taking a 2-0 lead and holding the advantage until the closing stages of regulation time.
Belgium, however, produced a dramatic late comeback, scoring twice in the final five minutes to force the contest into extra time. Senegal's resistance was eventually broken when Youri Tielemans converted a late penalty to seal a 3-2 victory for Belgium and bring the African side's campaign to an end.
"The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) informs the public that following the meeting of the Executive Committee held this Saturday, July 11, 2026, it was decided to initiate a procedure to terminate the functions of the national coach, Mr Pape Thiaw, as well as his entire technical staff," the federation said in a statement released on Sunday.
The FSF added that the decision followed a detailed assessment of the team's performance and future direction.
"This decision comes after the elimination of the Senegal national team in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team, the Executive Committee deemed it necessary to initiate this procedure in the best interests of Senegalese football," it added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Sacking the entire staff feels too harsh. Pape Thiaw got them to Round of 32, that's progress for an African team. Should give him at least till AFCON. Typical football politics, no patience.
As an Indian football fan, I'll take Round of 32 any day! We haven't even qualified. But Senegal's expectations are higher, they won AFCON. Still, sacking after one World Cup seems premature. Belguim match was unlucky, not entirely his fault.
Tough decision by Senegal federation. They need to build for the future, but firing someone after a Round of 32 exit when they beat Iran 5-0 and nearly beat Belgium? Seems like a panic move. The late goals were more about Belgium's class than tactical error.
I feel for Thiaw. That Comeback by Belgium was pure nightmare material. But in international football, such decisions are common. Hope he lands on his feet, he took Senegal to 5-0 win against Iran, that's not easy. New coach will benefit from his work.
Very sad. Senegal has so much talent, Sadio Mane era was golden. But this is proper accountability, yaar. In India, our cricket board takes ages. Football federations in Africa move fast. One thing: they need to support the next coach with better planning.
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