It is now official. Eleven days after the elimination of the Lions of Teranga in the round of 32 of the World Cup against Belgium (3-2), the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) announced the dismissal of national coach Pape Thiaw as well as his entire technical staff.

A decision motivated by a need for restructuring

Meeting in Executive Committee on Sunday, July 12, the governing body of Senegalese football justified this separation by a "thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team".

In its press release, the FSF specifies that this radical measure has been taken:

1. In "the best interests of Senegalese football" .
2. With the aim of initiating a vast reorganization of all national teams.

A rollercoaster of a year: from continental triumph to internal tensions

Appointed head of the national team in 2024, Pape Thiaw's tenure will be remembered for striking contrasts:

1. The summit: He successfully led Senegal to victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN).
2. The disappointment: Their journey at the 2026 World Cup was short-lived. After a disappointing start against France (1-3), the team was eliminated from the competition in the round of 32.

Beyond the tactical failure on the field, this early elimination would have released tensions within the locker room, with some key players having openly criticized the management and functioning of the technical staff.

Is Patrick Vieira in the crosshairs?

As the rebuilding process gets underway, speculation is rife. According to the sports press, former French international Patrick Vieira is among the candidates being seriously considered to take over the team. For the moment, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has not officially announced any potential successor to Pape Thiaw.