The Senegal Football Federation has dismissed head coach Pape Thiaw following the country’s underwhelming performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The federation announced the decision on Saturday, saying a change in leadership was necessary after the Teranga Lions failed to meet expectations at the tournament.

Senegal arrived at the World Cup with high hopes after lifting the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations title by defeating Morocco in the final earlier this year.

However, their campaign unravelled quickly. The West Africans lost their opening two group-stage matches against France and Norway before suffering a dramatic exit in the knockout phase.

Thiaw’s side appeared on course for victory after establishing a 2-0 lead against Belgium in the Round of 32, only to concede twice in the closing five minutes of normal time. Belgium completed the comeback by scoring the winner in extra time to eliminate Senegal.

The 45-year-old coach was also set to begin a five-match suspension in September after being sanctioned for leading his players off the pitch in protest over a penalty awarded to Morocco during the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Meanwhile, former France international Patrick Vieira has emerged as one of the leading candidates to replace Thiaw. Vieira, who was born in Dakar before representing France at international level, has been heavily linked with the vacant position.

The Senegal Football Federation is expected to provide further details about the coaching change at a press conference scheduled for Monday.