EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 22: Pape Thiaw of Senegal looks downfield from the bench before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Norway and Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 22, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has dismissed national team coach Pape Thiaw following the country’s disappointing exit from the FIFA World Cup.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the federation confirmed that Thiaw and his entire technical staff had been relieved of their duties after Senegal’s elimination in the Round of 32.
“After an evaluation of the performance of the national team and its prospects, the Executive Committee believes that a change is necessary in the interest of Senegalese football,” the federation said.
Thiaw, 45, was appointed head coach in 2024 and guided Senegal to what initially appeared to be a continental triumph in Morocco earlier this year. However, the title was later overturned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), prompting Senegal to seek legal redress at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Senegal’s World Cup campaign ended in dramatic fashion after Belgium came from two goals down to eliminate the Lions of Teranga, despite Senegal leading 2-0 with only five minutes of normal time remaining.
The West African side had also endured a difficult group-stage campaign, suffering defeats to France and Norway before narrowly advancing to the knockout rounds.
Thiaw’s dismissal follows widespread criticism from sections of supporters and football analysts, who questioned his tactical approach and team selection during the tournament.
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