Senegal sack manager Pape Thiaw after World Cup 2026 exit

Senegal sack manager Pape Thiaw after World Cup 2026 exit Senegal have parted company with manager Pape Thiaw after the country’s last-32 elimination at the World Cup 2026 .  The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) confirmed the decision on Sunday in a statement that read: “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.” Senegal came into the World Cup with high hopes as the reigning Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion.  But their campaign in North America got off to a rocky start, as they lost their opening two group matches against France and Norway.  The Lions of Teranga still scraped into the round of 32 as one of the best third-place teams following a 5-0 triumph over Iraq.  However, the African team’s journey ended at that stage with a 3-2 defeat to Belgium, despite leading 2-0 in the 86th minute.   Thiaw was appointed as the national team head coach in 2024, and led them to AFCON glory in January by beating Morocco in the final.  However, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) stripped Senegal of their title two months later following a controversy in which the 45-year-old had been a main protagonist.  Thiaw ushered his team off the pitch when Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty.  The players eventually returned before Brahim Diaz’s spot-kick was saved and Senegal won in extra-time.  Caf overturned the result of the match in March, declaring Morocco as the winners.  Senegal have appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, hoping to regain the title.