Senegal have parted ways with head coach Pape Thiaw following the team’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Senegalese Football Federation announced on Sunday that it had begun proceedings to relieve Thiaw and the entire national team coaching staff of their duties after a meeting of its executive committee.
“Following a meeting of the executive committee, it was decided to initiate proceedings to relieve national team coach Pape Thiaw, as well as the entire coaching staff, of their duties,” the federation said in a statement.
The federation’s president, Abdoulaye Fall, is expected to address a press conference on Monday to provide further details on the decision and reveal plans for the future direction of the national team.
Thiaw, 45, a former Senegal international, was appointed head coach of the Lions of Teranga in 2024. His tenure included guiding Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations final in January, although the team was later stripped of the title following a controversial incident during the final against Morocco.
Senegal’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended in disappointment after the team failed to progress beyond the Round of 32. The West African side lost to France and Norway in the group stage before securing qualification with a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq.
Their knockout-stage exit came after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium. Senegal had taken a two-goal lead but surrendered their advantage after conceding late in the match.
Thiaw’s departure places him among a growing list of national team coaches who have lost their positions following elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
