Senegal parts ways with head coach after 2026 World Cup
Pap Thiaw has left his role as Senegal's head coach, with Patrick Vieira emerging as a top candidate for the vacancy.
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The Senegalese Football Federation has officially announced the end of its partnership with national team head coach Pap Thiaw. The 45-year-old manager had been at the helm since 2024, having previously served on the national team's coaching staff.
Thiaw's tenure was marked by both success and controversy. Under his leadership, the team won the 2025/26 Africa Cup of Nations, though the result was later overturned after Senegal was handed a technical defeat in the final against Morocco for leaving the pitch before a penalty could be taken against them.
At the 2026 World Cup, the African side saw their campaign end in the Round of 32 following a 2-3 extra-time loss to Belgium. That exit proved to be the final straw for Thiaw's tenure.
Media reports suggest the federation is already working on finding a replacement. One of the main contenders for the job is former French national team midfielder Patrick Vieira, who was born in Dakar. His potential appointment is seen as a move to reshape the team's direction following their World Cup exit.