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Senegal Sacks Coach Thiaw After World Cup Fallout

7/13/2026

26 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Thiaw Dismissed

Senegal dismissed head coach Pape Thiaw, ending his tenure after the World Cup and AFCON.
Thiaw led Senegal to an AFCON title that ended with a team walk-out in the final versus Morocco.
CAF gave Thiaw a five-month suspension and a $100,000 fine for bringing the game into disrepute.
Critics blamed his substitutions and reliance on Kalidou Koulibaly for Senegal’s 2-0 lead against Belgium collapsing in the World Cup.

Summary

Vieira Backed

The FSF executive committee voted to dismiss Pape Thiaw and his entire coaching staff.
FSF President Abdoulaye Fall will speak on Monday July 13 2026 about the federation’s restructuring after the dismissal.
Senior FSF officials back Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira as the leading candidate to become Senegal’s next coach and rebuild the “Teranga Lions.”
Senegal’s 5-0 victory over Iraq in the World Cup group stage secured its knockout-round place.

History

Historical Context

After England’s 4–1 defeat to Germany in the 2010 World Cup round of 16, pressure on manager Fabio Capello forced his resignation in February 2012, reflecting the FA’s pattern of swift coach changes. In July 2026 Senegal’s federation similarly sacked coach Pape Thiaw after a 2-0 lead collapse against Belgium and a $100,000 CAF fine, underscoring a growing trend of dismissals when tournament results disappoint.

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Thiaw Dismissed

Senegal dismissed head coach Pape Thiaw, ending his tenure after the World Cup and AFCON.
Thiaw led Senegal to an AFCON title that ended with a team walk-out in the final versus Morocco.
CAF gave Thiaw a five-month suspension and a $100,000 fine for bringing the game into disrepute.
Critics blamed his substitutions and reliance on Kalidou Koulibaly for Senegal’s 2-0 lead against Belgium collapsing in the World Cup.

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