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Rabat – French coach Patrick Vieira has emerged as the leading candidate to become Senegal’s next head coach following the team’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, the Senegalese Football Federation has started planning for the future of the national team after its World Cup elimination, with Vieira among the main names being considered to replace Pape Thiaw.
The report indicates Thiaw’s future is uncertain after Senegal’s disappointing campaign, as the federation looks for a coach with international experience to lead the team into its next cycle ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
Vieira is one of France’s most successful former players, where he was part of the France squad that won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Euro 2000 title.
During his playing career, he represented clubs including AC Milan, Arsenal, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Manchester City, winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal and captained the club during one of its most successful periods.
Vieira moved into coaching after retiring, he began with Manchester City’s youth setup before taking charge of New York City FC in Major League Soccer. He later managed French side Nice, Premier League club Crystal Palace, and most recently Strasbourg in Ligue 1.
Although he has never coached a national team, Vieira is widely respected for his experience in European football and his ability to develop young players.
If appointed, he would become the first French coach to lead Senegal since Alain Giresse, taking charge of a team aiming to return to the top level of African and international football.
