FIFA World Cup 2026: Senegal sacks coach Pape Bouna Thiaw after disappointing WC campaign
New York, July 12
Senegal sacked coach Pape Bouna Thiaw on Saturday, citing the team's disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign as the reason for the change.
The Lions of Teranga had entered the tournament with high expectations after defeating Morocco in January's Africa Cup of Nations final and were widely tipped to challenge for the title.
However, their World Cup campaign fell well short of expectations, as per Reuters.
They lost their opening two group-stage matches to France and Norway before suffering a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium in the round of 32, despite leading 2-0 with just five minutes of normal time remaining.
Thiaw, 45, had been due to begin a five-match suspension in September at the start of Senegal's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign after leading his players off the pitch in protest against the penalty awarded to Morocco during January's final in Rabat.
French newspaper L'Equipe reported, as per Reuters, that former France midfielder and World Cup winner Patrick Vieira, who was born in Dakar, is among the leading candidates to succeed him.
The Senegalese Football Federation has scheduled a press conference for Monday, when it is expected to outline its plans following Thiaw's departure.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, sacking Thiaw feels a bit harsh. He won Afcon and the team played well overall. That Belgium collapse was a tactical disaster though—you can't blame just the coach for poor game management. But typical football federation politics: when things go wrong, the coach is the scapegoat. 🇸🇳
Reminds me of India's own coaching dramas. The protest against the Morocco penalty fine—taking players off pitch—that shows poor discipline. You can't let emotions cloud judgment when representing your nation. Vieira would bring that cool-headed professionalism Senegal needs. Born in Dakar too! Perfect match.
This is why African football struggles on the biggest stage—knee-jerk reactions! Thiaw took Senegal to Afcon glory and then gets fired after one bad World Cup. Meanwhile, European coaches get multiple chances. That said, leading players off the pitch for protesting a penalty was reckless. Should have handled it through proper channels. 🤷♀️
As someone who follows football closely, I think the suspension was the bigger issue. He was already banned for 5 matches, so the federation was forced to act anyway. But losing to Belgium after being 2-0 up in the last 5 mins? That's Pure trauma! Senegal needs a manager who can handle pressure situations. Vieira's experience would be invaluable.
I'm actually excited about this change! Thiaw did well with Afcon, but the World Cup showed his limitations. The man management after that Morocco final fiasco wasn't
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