Senegal's football federation officially announced on Saturday evening the sacking of coach Pape Thiaw and his entire technical staff, following a disappointing and dramatic round of 16 exit from the 2026 World Cup against Belgium, a decision the local press described as a "knockout blow" to a project that carried high ambitions.

Senegalese channel RTS, confirmed by several local media outlets, reported that the federation's executive committee made the decision after a lengthy meeting in Dakar, indicating that the dismissal was a direct result of the World Cup failure, where the leadership's confidence was ultimately shaken in the coach who led the team to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The decision came just days after the crushing loss to Belgium in Seattle, where the 'Lions of Teranga' were leading 2-0 through goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr, before their defense collapsed in the final minutes, with Romelu Lukaku scoring a lifeline, then Youri Tielemans equalizing to force extra time, before the latter sealed Belgium's qualification with a penalty in stoppage time.

In an official statement issued after the executive committee meeting, the federation explained that the decision stemmed from an "evaluation of the team's performance and future prospects," stressing that the change was made "in the interest of Senegalese football," and that it tasked its president, Abdoulaye Fall, with officially informing the coach in accordance with the applicable regulations and contracts."

Internal tensions

Senegal concluded a disappointing campaign with only one win, following a tough group stage that saw defeats to France and Norway, before saving their qualification with a resounding 5-0 victory over Iraq, advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.

Thiaw's tactical choices, his management of key players, and the team's inability to hold onto leads came under intense scrutiny, while revelations of internal tensions fueled the debate, particularly regarding Thiaw's contract, which was signed under chaotic circumstances, and numerous dysfunctions that allegedly hampered the delegation's work during the tournament, prompting the federation to file a defamation lawsuit to defend its image.

Comprehensive restructuring and shortlisted names

The executive committee tasked the federation president with undertaking a comprehensive restructuring of all national teams, and he will hold a press conference on Monday at the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium to explain the reasons behind the decision and clarify future directions.

The Senegalese press has been circulating the names of Habib Beye and Patrick Vieira insistently for several days as candidates to succeed Thiaw, alongside Frenchman Hervé Renard, indicating that a new chapter is about to begin for the Lions of Teranga, tasked with rebuilding a project capable of reviving a team that had high ambitions before leaving the World Cup with great disappointment.

Thus, the chapter of Pape Thiaw is officially closed, ending his tenure as head coach less than two years after his appointment, despite winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, proof that failure at the World Cup is unforgivable in the world of football.