The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) has initiated the termination of head coach Pape Thiaw and his entire technical staff following the Teranga Lions' elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the Round of 32. The FSF Executive Committee took the decision at a meeting on Saturday, 11 July 2026, citing the team's tournament results and future prospects as the driving factors.

A Campaign That Unravelled Late

Pape Thiaw, who took charge of the national team in December 2024, endured a turbulent World Cup campaign. Senegal lost their opening two Group I fixtures against France and Norway, leaving their knockout-stage hopes in serious doubt. A commanding 5-0 win over Iran in their final group outing proved just enough, allowing Senegal to advance as the lowest-ranked side among the best third-placed teams.

The Heartbreak in Seattle

Their campaign ended in agonising fashion against Belgium in the Round of 32 in Seattle. Senegal had taken a 2-0 lead and appeared in control deep into regulation time. Belgium, however, mounted a dramatic late comeback, netting twice in the final five minutes to level the contest and force extra time. Midfielder Youri Tielemans then converted a late penalty to seal a 3-2 victory for Belgium, ending Senegal's World Cup campaign.

What the Federation Said

The FSF confirmed the move in an official statement released on Sunday, 12 July 2026. '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,' the statement read.

The federation added that the decision followed a thorough review of sporting results and the team's future direction. '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,' it stated.

Context and What Comes Next

Thiaw's exit marks a swift end to a tenure of less than two years. His appointment in late 2024 had been seen as a transitional move following the conclusion of Aliou Cissé's long reign, under whom Senegal had won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and reached the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals. The pressure to match — or exceed — that benchmark proved acute. The FSF is now expected to begin a formal search for a new head coach, with Senegalese football's leadership keen to restore the national team's continental and global standing ahead of the next qualification cycle.