Senegal sack Thiaw, technical crew after poor World Cup performance
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) has announced the sack of Pape Thiaw as coach of its Senegal national team. The Federation also announced that Thiaw’s entire technical crew have been relieved of their duties, following the meeting of its executive committee on Saturday. The decision to sack Thiaw and his crew was on the back […]
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) has announced the sack of Pape Thiaw as coach of its Senegal national team.
The Federation also announced that Thiaw’s entire technical crew have been relieved of their duties, following the meeting of its executive committee on Saturday.
The decision to sack Thiaw and his crew was on the back of poor performance at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup where Senegal crashed out at the round of 32 stage.
Senegal were drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Iraq, and barely qualified as the third-best in the group after a 5-0 win over Iraq peppered over defeats to Norway and France.
The Teranga Lions were expected to go the mile in the competition after a successful defence of their AFCON trophy in January, but Thiaw’s side snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Belgium in the round of 32, squandering a two goals lead with five minutes of regular time left on the clock before losing 3-2 in extra-time.
The travelling contingent were bedeviled by other off-field issues, while Thiaw was alleged to have favoured the old guard over younger players who provided the country’s best moments in North America.
This has led to some players publicly stating their early retirement unless Thiaw leaves his role, and the FSF has taken the “necessary” decision for the country’s best interest.
“The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) informs the public that following the meeting of the Executive Committee held this Saturday, July 11, 2026, it was decided to initiate a procedure to terminate the functions of the national coach, Mr Pape Thiaw, as well as his entire technical staff.”
“This decision comes after the elimination of the Senegal national team in the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team, the Executive Committee deemed it necessary to initiate this procedure in the best interests of Senegalese football.”
According to the statement, the Executive Committee further mandated FSF President Abdoulaye Fall to make “geniune efforts” towards reorganizing the national teams for future competitions.
“To this end, the President of the Senegalese Football Federation, Mr Abdoulaye Fall, has been mandated to bring this decision to the attention of the competent authority and to ensure official notification to the person concerned, in accordance with the statutory, regulatory and contractual provisions in force.
“Also, the Executive Committee mandated the President to take all necessary measures for a genuine reorganisation of all national teams.”
Fall will face the media on Monday, July 13 at the Léopold Sédar Senghor stadium in Dakar to present reasons for Thiaw’s sack and discuss the team’s future.