Pape Thiaw's Future as Senegal Coach in Doubt After World Cup

Pape Thiaw's future as the head coach of the Senegal national team is in serious doubt, as reports, notably from L'Équipe, indicate he will not continue in his role after the 2026 World Cup exit, despite signing a new contract just five hours before the match against Norway in the group stage.

According to reports, the contract renewal came after tense negotiations with the Senegalese Football Federation, amid administrative disputes that lasted for several months, before a last-minute agreement allowed the coach to lead the team against Norway.

Despite this renewal, sources suggest that the Senegalese Federation is leaning towards ending Thiaw's tenure following the team's elimination from the tournament, especially given the criticism directed at the coaching staff and the internal crises faced by the squad, alongside midfielder Pape Gueye's statements that he will not represent the national team again as long as the current coaching staff remains.

So far, the Senegalese Federation has not issued any official statement confirming Thiaw's dismissal, but all indications from French and Senegalese media suggest that his departure is a matter of time, with the federation preparing to turn a new page after the "Lions of Teranga" conclude their journey in the 2026 World Cup.