Pape Thiaw Officially Signs Contract with Senegal National Team

The Senegalese Football Federation has resolved one of the most controversial issues in recent months, after coach Pape Thiaw officially signed his contract with the Senegal national team, putting an end to a long period during which he worked without a new contract despite leading the team in the qualifiers and the 2026 World Cup.

Thiao's previous contract had expired in February 2026, but negotiations between the Senegalese federation and the relevant sports authorities continued for several months without reaching a final agreement, which sparked a lot of criticism in the Senegalese media, especially with the approach of the World Cup and the participation of the "Lions of Teranga" in the tournament under the same coach.

In recent weeks, reports have circulated about financial disputes and delays in renewing the contract. Some sources even indicated that Thiao attended the World Cup camp without an official contract or regular salary, before an agreement was finally reached to ensure his continuation as head of the coaching staff.

Thiao is considered one of the most prominent Senegalese coaches at present, having led the national team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, taking over the role from Aliou Cissé. He also managed the team during the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer.

With the official signing of the contract, the Senegalese federation has closed a file that occupied the sports public opinion in the country, allowing Thiaw to fully focus on the upcoming national team commitments without any administrative or contractual ambiguity.