The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has officially begun the process of ending Pape Thiaw's tenure as head coach of the national team following the Lions of Teranga's disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement released after an Executive Committee meeting held on July 11, the federation announced that it had resolved to initiate the procedure to terminate the contracts of Thiaw and his entire technical staff. The decision comes after Senegal's elimination in the Round of 16 of the World Cup, where they surrendered a two-goal lead before losing 3-2 to Belgium after extra time.
According to the federation, the decision was reached after a comprehensive assessment of the team's sporting performances and the long-term direction of the national team.
"Following the Executive Committee meeting held on Saturday, 11 July 2026, it was decided to initiate the procedure to terminate the duties of the national team head coach, Mr. Pape Thiaw, as well as those of his entire technical staff," the FSF said in its official communications.
The federation added that the move was made "after a thorough evaluation of the team's sporting results and the future prospects of the national team," with the Executive Committee concluding that the overhaul was necessary "in the best interests of Senegalese football."
Thiaw took over from long-serving coach Aliou Cissé in late 2024 and was tasked with maintaining Senegal's status among Africa's leading football nations. During his time in charge, he guided the Lions of Teranga to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and led the team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite those achievements, expectations remained high heading into the tournament in North America, with Senegal widely regarded as one of Africa's strongest contenders. They advanced from the group stage, but their campaign ended dramatically after Belgium staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to eliminate the African side in extra time.
The defeat triggered widespread criticism from supporters and football analysts, with many questioning the team's game management and tactical decisions. In the days that followed, calls for sweeping changes gathered momentum as fans demanded a fresh direction for the national team.
The FSF has now entrusted its president, Abdoulaye Fall, with overseeing the transition. The federation confirmed that he has been mandated to formally notify the affected parties in accordance with statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements while also leading a broader restructuring of Senegal's national teams.
"The Executive Committee has also instructed the Federation President to take all necessary measures to carry out a comprehensive reorganisation of all the national teams," the statement added.
As part of the restructuring process, Fall is scheduled to address the media on Monday, July 13, at Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium, where he is expected to explain the reasons behind the decision, review the national team's recent performances and outline the federation's plans for the future.
The coaching change marks the beginning of a new cycle for one of Africa's most successful football nations as preparations turn towards the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and future FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns.
Concluding its statement, the federation reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and proper governance, stressing that every decision being taken is intended to protect "the best interests of Senegalese football."
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