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Agadir – The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has announced the start of procedures to terminate the duties of national team coach Pape Thiaw and his entire technical staff following the team’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement released Saturday, July 11, the FSF said the decision was taken during a meeting of its Executive Committee, which assessed the national team’s performance and prospects after their early exit from the tournament.
“The Senegalese Football Federation informs the public that following the meeting of the Executive Committee held this Saturday, July 11, 2026, it was decided to initiate a procedure to terminate the functions of the national coach, Mr. Pape Thiaw, as well as his entire technical staff,” the federation said.
The FSF explained that the move comes after Senegal’s elimination in the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding that the decision followed “a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team.”
The federation said the Executive Committee considered the change necessary “in the best interests of Senegalese football,” while mandating FSF President Abdoulaye Fall to officially notify the coach and proceed with the required administrative steps in line with existing regulations and contractual obligations.
The statement also indicated that the federation’s leadership had been tasked with launching a broader restructuring process across Senegal’s national teams.
“Furthermore, the President of the Senegalese Football Federation will take all necessary measures for a genuine reorganization of all national teams,” the FSF said.
Pape Thiaw, who took charge of Senegal’s national team in 2024 after previously serving as interim coach, guided the Teranga Lions during their 2026 World Cup campaign. However, the team’s departure in the round of 32 prompted the federation to reconsider the direction of the national side.
The FSF announced that Abdoulaye Fall will hold a press conference on Monday, July 13, at the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium to explain the reasons behind the decision, review the current situation of the national team, and discuss plans.
The move comes after Senegal suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Teranga Lions appeared on course for qualification after taking a 2-0 lead, but Belgium staged a late comeback, scoring twice in the final minutes of normal time before securing victory in extra time.
The defeat triggered widespread criticism from Senegalese supporters, with thousands calling for Thiaw’s departure. According to Senegalese media, more than 35,000 people signed an online petition within 12 hours of the team’s elimination, urging the Senegalese Football Federation to dismiss the coach.
