The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) has decided to end the tenure of national team head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw following a disappointing campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decision was made after Senegal failed to meet the expectations of supporters and football officials in the country, with the team eliminated in the early knockout stages after suffering a crucial defeat against Belgium.
Downfall after a promising start
Thiaw entered the tournament under intense pressure due to the high expectations placed on the "Teranga Lions" following their recent successes in the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Senegal failed to deliver the level of performance expected at the World Cup.
One of the major setbacks for the team was their inability to protect a two-goal advantage against Belgium in the Round of 32, eventually losing 3-2 after extra time.
Decision influenced by results and controversies
Beyond the results on the pitch, Thiaw was also under pressure because of incidents from previous competitions, including a five-match suspension he received following an incident involving the team leaving the pitch during the Africa Cup of Nations final.
After Senegal’s World Cup elimination, there was widespread criticism from football stakeholders in the country, with some supporters calling for changes to the technical bench.
Thiaw, aged 45, was tasked with continuing Senegal’s successful generation after replacing Aliou Cissé. He guided the team through several important periods, but the World Cup results became the main reason behind his departure.
The FSF is now searching for a new direction for the national team, with several names already being mentioned as potential replacements. Among those linked with the position is Patrick Vieira, who has ties to Senegal through his birthplace, Dakar, and his distinguished international football career.
