The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has terminated the contract of head coach Pape Thiaw along with his entire technical staff, following a crushing early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup that left the nation's football community in shock.

Thiaw's dismissal follows a Round of 32 defeat that will haunt Senegal supporters for years to come. The Lions of Teranga surrendered a two-goal lead before falling 3-2 to Belgium in extra time — a capitulation that triggered fierce criticism directed at the coaching staff and federation leadership.

A reign defined by highs and lows

Thiaw took charge of Senegal in late 2024, replacing the long-serving Aliou Cissé. His early months showed genuine promise: he led the team through World Cup qualification and steered them through the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

However, his tenure grew increasingly turbulent after the AFCON final, when disciplinary incidents within the squad led to a CAF suspension that cast a shadow over his authority and the squad's internal cohesion.

Reports in the aftermath of the World Cup pointed to continued tensions within the camp, compounding the pressure on Thiaw's position.

Public outcry forces federation's hand

The defeat to Belgium sparked an immediate and widespread public reaction. Thousands of Senegalese fans demanded a complete restructuring of the national team setup, with petitions calling for Thiaw's removal attracting significant support across the country.

Faced with mounting pressure from supporters and football stakeholders alike, the FSF moved quickly to dismiss Thiaw and his full backroom team, opting for a clean break as the federation looks to rebuild.

Search for a new leader begins

With Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on the horizon, the FSF is now under pressure to move swiftly in identifying a successor. The federation is expected to announce either an interim appointment or a permanent replacement within the coming weeks.

Senegal remain one of Africa's most decorated football nations — they are the reigning African champions — and the federation will be eager to restore confidence and direction under new leadership ahead of the next international cycle.