Patrick Vieira emerges as top candidate to lead Senegal after World Cup exit

Patrick Vieira is being strongly considered as the next head coach of the Senegal national team, according to L'Equipe. The Senegalese Football Federation is set to hold an emergency meeting in the coming days to evaluate the team's disappointing campaign at the 2026 World Cup. Senegal crashed out in the Round of 32, losing 3–2 to Belgium after extra time. That result has put current coach Papa Thiaw's position under serious threat. Sources inside the federation indicate that several influential figures are pushing for Vieira's appointment. The 50-year-old Frenchman has been out of work since leaving Genoa in November 2025. His candidacy carries extra weight due to his deep ties to Senegal: Vieira was born in Dakar and has previously invested in the country's football development, most notably the renowned Diambars academy. A final decision on the coaching staff is expected once the federation completes its internal review of the World Cup performance.