Senegal sacks manager Pape Thiaw after World Cup exit

Senegal’s national football team has dismissed head coach Pape Thiaw following the country’s elimination in the last‑32 round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decision was announced by the Senegalese Football Federation on Tuesday, citing a need to “reset the project” after the team’s defeat to a group‑stage opponent that left the squad out of the knockout stages.

Thiaw, who had taken the helm earlier in the tournament, oversaw a campaign that saw Senegal progress from the group phase but falter in the round of 32, ending their World Cup run. The federation’s statement said that the coaching staff would be reassessed and that a search for a new manager would begin immediately, with the aim of appointing a replacement ahead of the upcoming African Nations Championship.

The sacking comes amid a broader scrutiny of the national team’s performance and preparation. While no interim coach has yet been named, the federation pledged to maintain continuity in the squad’s training and to keep the players focused on upcoming fixtures. The decision marks a swift response to the disappointment of the World Cup exit and signals a new direction for Senegalese football.