The World Cup manager has been sacked along with the entire coaching staff and an Arsenal legend could take his place
Senegal have confirmed that they have sacked manager Pape Thiaw after the country suffered heartbreak last week.
The Teranga Lions went from 2-0 to beat Belgium 2-0 in their last 32 match before collapsing in a shocking way to lose 3-2.
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Senegal, who were stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, started their World Cup campaign with two defeats.
Sadio Mane and others. they were beaten by France and Norway to leave them on the brink of elimination before they beat Iraq.
A 5-0 win in their final group game was enough for Senegal to take the final third place spot.
And the West African country looked to have upset the odds in their first play-off game by taking a two-goal lead against Belgium.
Senegal, ranked six below the ninth-placed Red Devils, were minutes away from a last-16 tie with the USA.
However, Romelu Lukaku broke the deadlock in the 86th minute before Youri Tielemans’ header three minutes later forced extra time.
The Aston Villa star then scored a sensational penalty in the 125th minute to break the hearts of the Senegalese.
After the crushing defeat, Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye says he will ‘take a break’ from playing for his national team while the current management is in charge.
The 27-year-old has got his wish, as the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) has revealed that it has dismissed Thiaw.
Senegal sacked manager Thiaw
The statement said: “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 start the process of withdrawing the work of the national coach, Mr. Pape Thiaw, and his entire technical team.
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“This decision comes after the elimination of the Senegal national team from the 32nd round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“After a complete evaluation of the results of the sports and the opportunities of the national team, the Executive Committee has deemed it necessary to start this process for the benefit of Senegalese football.
“Until now, the President of the Senegalese Football Federation, Mr. Abdoulaye Fall, has been given the authority to bring this decision to the competent authorities and ensure that the person concerned is duly informed, in accordance with the laws, rules and conditions of the contract in force.
“Also, the Executive Committee authorized the President to take all the necessary steps to reorganize all the national parties.
“Furthermore, the President of the Senegalese Football Federation will hold a press conference on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 4 pm, at the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium.
“This meeting with the media will be an opportunity to present the reasons for this decision, analyze the state of the national team and discuss the future.
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“The Senegalese Football Federation confirms its commitment to work in accordance with procedures, transparency and good governance, with the aim of safeguarding the interests of Senegalese football.”
Who could be the next Senegal manager?
French outlet L’Équipe reported that Patrick Vieira, who was born in Senegal’s capital, Dakar, could replace Thiaw.
The French World Cup winner and former Arsenal captain has been out of action since leaving Serie A side Genoa in November.
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