Senegal have dismissed head coach Pape Thiaw after the Teranga Lions crashed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending his short spell in charge despite leading the country to the Africa Cup of Nations title earlier this year, whose legitimacy is still in contest.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) announced the decision on Sunday, saying it had also dissolved the entire technical staff following a review of the team's performance.
The federation said the move was part of efforts to "reorganise the national teams and preserve the future of Senegalese football."
FSF President Abdoulaye Fall is expected to address the media on Monday to explain "the reasons behind this decision" and "to discuss the future" of the national team.
Thiaw's exit follows Senegal's painful 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium in the Round of 32.
The West Africans threw away a two-goal lead before conceding a controversial penalty in extra time to end their World Cup campaign.
The team had also lost to France and Norway during the tournament, although a 5-0 win over Iraq helped them reach the knockout stage.
Pressure on the 45-year-old had been growing even before the tournament ended.
Midfielder Pape Gueye announced after the defeat that he would no longer play for Senegal while Thiaw remained coach, blaming the technical crew for the team's struggles.
Thiaw was also facing a five-match suspension over his role in Senegal's protest during the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year, a controversy that added to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
French media reports have linked former France international and Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira, who was born in Dakar, with the vacant position, although the federation has yet to announce a replacement.
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