The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) announced on July 12, 2026, that it has terminated the contract of national team coach Pape Thiaw and his entire technical staff. The decision was taken during an executive committee meeting following Senegal's early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Senegal finished third in Group H with four points, behind group winners Portugal (7 points) and runners-up South Korea (5 points). The Lions of Teranga defeated Ghana 2-0 but lost to Portugal 3-1 and drew 1-1 with South Korea, failing to advance to the knockout stage.
Thiaw, 45, had taken over as interim coach in November 2024 after Aliou CissΓ©'s departure, and was confirmed as permanent head coach in March 2025. Under his leadership, Senegal qualified for the World Cup by topping their African qualifying group.
The FSF statement thanked Thiaw and his staff for their service and said the search for a new coach would begin immediately. No replacement has been named yet.
