Senegal fires coach Pape Thiaw after World Cup exit

Senegal has fired head coach Pape Thiaw after the team was knocked out in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Senegalese Football Federation made the announcement on Sunday. They also let go of the entire coaching staff.

"After a meeting of the executive committee, we decided to relieve national team coach Pape Thiaw and the entire coaching staff of their duties," the federation said in a statement.

The federation added that its president, Abdoulaye Fall, would hold a press conference on Monday. He will explain the reasons for this decision and share the team's future plans.

Thiaw, 45, was a former player for Senegal. He became the national team coach in 2024.

He joins the list of coaches who left their jobs after their teams were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.

Senegal had a disappointing World Cup run. They lost to France and Norway in the group stage but managed a 5-0 win over Iraq to qualify for the knockout stage.

The Lions of Teranga were then eliminated in the Round of 32. They had a 2-0 lead against Belgium but ended up losing 3-2 after extra time. Senegal was ahead until the 86th minute.

Thiaw led Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations final in January. However, the team was later stripped of the title after walking off the pitch during the controversial final against Morocco.