Pape Thiaw’s reign as Senegal head coach has ended in dramatic fashion after the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) dismissed him and his entire technical crew following the Lions of Teranga’s disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign.
The federation announced on Sunday that the decision followed “a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team,” bringing to an end an eventful spell that promised much but gradually descended into controversy.
Although Senegal reached the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup before surrendering a two goal lead in a heartbreaking 3-2 extra time defeat to Belgium, the World Cup elimination was only the final chapter in a turbulent tenure.
Thiaw was appointed coach of the Senegal national football team on 13 December 2024, following the latter dismissal two month before.
A series of major incidents had steadily weakened Thiaw’s position over the past several months.
1. The AFCON final controversy that changed everything
The defining controversy of Thiaw’s tenure came during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.
With Senegal leading in stoppage time, Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty. In protest, Thiaw led his players off the pitch, delaying the match for about 17 minutes before the team eventually returned.
Morocco’s Brahim Diaz failed to convert the penalty and Senegal went on to score the winner in extra time through Pape Gueye, appearing to secure another continental title.
Senegalese players in fierce confrontation with Moroccan players at AFCON 2025. PhotoCredit: Getty Images
However, months later CAF overturned the result, ruled Morocco champions and stripped Senegal of the title after finding the walk-off unacceptable under its regulations.
Senegal have since lodged an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but the legal process remains unresolved.
The decision left deep scars within Senegalese football and placed Thiaw under intense scrutiny despite the federation publicly standing behind him.
2. Contract uncertainty overshadowed the World Cup
Even before Senegal kicked a ball at the World Cup, questions surrounded Thiaw’s future.
His contract dispute with the federation dominated headlines throughout the build-up to the tournament, with widespread speculation suggesting disagreements over salary and employment terms.
Thiaw eventually confirmed that an agreement had been reached but insisted the disagreement had “never been about money.”
“Yes, the contract is settled. It’s true that it took a long time. The only thing I can say is that it was never about money, but rather a matter of principle and respect.”
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw after their emphatic 5-0 win over Iraq ahead of their FIFA World Cup R32 qualification. PhotoCredit: FIFA/YT
He also stressed that representing Senegal always came before personal interests.
“When I wear the Senegal badge, patriotism comes first.”
Although the issue was officially resolved before Senegal’s decisive group matches, the prolonged uncertainty created unnecessary distractions around a squad already facing enormous expectations.
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3. World Cup heartbreak was perhaps the final blow
The tournament itself offered moments of hope before ending in devastating fashion.
After defeats to France and Norway threatened an early exit, Senegal responded emphatically by thrashing Iraq 5-0 to squeeze into the knockout stages as one of the best third placed teams.
Their Round of 32 clash against Belgium appeared destined to become one of Africa’s greatest World Cup victories.
Goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr gave the Teranga Lions a commanding 2-0 advantage.
But Belgium mounted a remarkable comeback.
Late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans forced extra time before another controversial penalty deep into added time allowed Tielemans to complete a stunning turnaround and send Belgium through with a 3-2 victory.
Belgium Captain Youri Tielemans celebrating his goal against Senegal. PhotoCredit: Getty Images
The collapse sparked fierce criticism from supporters, former players and football analysts, with many questioning the team’s game management and tactical decisions.
For the Senegalese federation, it ultimately became the result from which Thiaw could not recover.
4. Pape Gueye’s public rebellion exposed dressing room fractures
Perhaps the biggest indication that Thiaw’s position had become untenable came only days after the World Cup exit.
Experienced midfielder Pape Gueye publicly announced he would step away from international football while the current coaching staff remained in charge.
“I will come back to say a few words about the elimination… but I am announcing today that as long as this coaching staff is in place, I will be taking a break from the national team.”
The Senegalese Football Federation is reportedly considering disciplinary action against Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye after he announced he would boycott the national team until the current coaching staff is replaced. PhotoCredit: Getty Images
The Villarreal midfielder’s declaration sent shockwaves through Senegalese football.
A senior international openly refusing selection until a coaching staff was replaced represented one of the strongest public votes of no confidence seen in recent years.
Coming immediately after the World Cup collapse, the statement intensified pressure on the federation to act.
the Federation had one decision, a fresh start
With mounting criticism from supporters, lingering legal uncertainty over the AFCON final and signs of unrest within the dressing room, the FSF ultimately concluded that a fresh direction was needed.
The federation confirmed the dismissal of Thiaw and his backroom staff, saying the decision was taken in the best interests of Senegalese football.
His breakthrough as a coach came when he led Senegal to victory in the African Nations Championship (CHAN). PhotoCredit: Getty images
Thiaw leaves having guided Senegal to the World Cup and briefly celebrating what appeared to be an AFCON triumph before CAF’s intervention dramatically altered his legacy.
His successor will inherit one of Africa’s most talented squads but also the challenge of restoring the dressing room friendship with new leadership as Sadio Mane has quit the national team.
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One final focus for both the federation and the incoming coach will be to lead the Teranga Lions into the next cycle of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations which is already on the horizon.
