SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 01: Pape Thiaw, Head Coach of Senegal, speaks to the media in a post match press conference after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Belgium and Senegal at Seattle Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.

Senegal sacks coach Pape Thiaw after World Cup exit

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Sarah Stier - FIFA / FIFA / Getty

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Senegal fired its men’s football coach Pape Thiaw, according to a statement issued by the national federation on Sunday.

The Senegalese Football Federation added that Thiaw’s technical staff were also dismissed.

The decision followed Senegal’s elimination in the round of 16 at the ongoing World Cup.

“After an evaluation of the performance of the national team and its prospects, the Executive Committee believes that a change is necessary in the interest of Senegalese football,” the federation said.

Thiaw, 45, was appointed in 2024 and led the West African nation to a disputed continental title in Morocco earlier this year before the victory was overturned by the Confederation of African Football. Senegal has approached the Court of Arbitration about appealing the decision.

Senegal was eliminated from the World Cup by Belgium despite leading 2-0 until the 83rd minute. The team also came close to elimination in the group stage after losses to France and Norway.

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See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here

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