Senegal have moved quickly in the aftermath of a disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, with changes now being made at the top as the federation looks to rebuild.
Sadio Mane and co entered the tournament with high expectations following recent success on the continental stage, but their hopes of making a deep run in North America came to an abrupt end after a crushing 3-2 Round of 32 defeat to Belgium.
The Lions of Teranga were 2-0 up before Belgium scored two quick-fire goals right at the end of the game, with Youri Tielemans sealing Senegal’s fate with a penalty conversion in the final minute of extra-time.
The elimination prompted a swift review of the national team’s direction, with the Senegalese Football Federation deciding decisive action is required.
For former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, it now means officially seeing head coach Pape Thiaw leave his role after the Senegalese Football Federation confirmed it has begun the process of terminating the contracts of both the manager and his entire coaching staff.
In an official statement, the federation said:
“The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) informs public opinion that at the end of the meeting of the Executive Committee held this Saturday, July 11, 2026, it was decided to initiate a procedure for the termination of the functions of the national coach, Mr. Pape Thiaw, as well as all his technical staff.
“This decision follows the elimination of the Senegal National Team in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and the prospects of the national team, the Executive Committee considered it necessary to engage this procedure in the best interests of Senegalese football.”
Thiaw was appointed as Senegal’s head coach in 2024 and initially enjoyed an impressive spell in charge.
He guided the national side to Africa Cup of Nations glory in January, although that triumph later became the subject of major controversy after Morocco were retrospectively awarded the title by an appeals committee two months later.
The decision now brings Thiaw’s tenure to an end and leaves Senegal searching for a new manager ahead of the next round of international fixtures.
Mané, one of the country’s greatest-ever players and still a key figure within the squad, will now prepare to work under a different coach as Senegal attempt to bounce back from their World Cup disappointment and restore confidence following a turbulent year both on and off the pitch.