Senegal Parts Ways With Head Coach Pape Thiaw After 2026 World Cup

The Senegalese Football Federation has officially announced the end of its partnership with national team head coach Pape Thiaw. The 45-year-old took over in 2024 after serving on the team's coaching staff. Under his leadership, Senegal won the 2025/26 Africa Cup of Nations, but the victory was marred by a technical defeat in the final against Morocco after the players walked off the pitch before a penalty kick was taken against them. At the 2026 World Cup, Senegal's run ended in the Round of 32, falling 3-2 to Belgium in extra time. According to local media, former France midfielder Patrick Vieira — who was born in the nation's capital, Dakar — has emerged as the leading candidate to take over the vacant position.