Senegal fires coach Pape Thiaw after World Cup elimination

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw talks after a loss during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Belgium and Senegal in Seattle, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Senegal have terminated the contract of head coach Pape Thiaw after the country’s elimination in the 2026 World Cup.

The Senegalese Football Federation announced on Sunday that it had parted ways with the 45-year-old coach, who had been on the job since 2024.

“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 in a news release.

“After a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team, the Executive Committee deemed it necessary to initiate this procedure in the best interests of Senegalese football.”

On July 1 in Seattle, Senegal lost to Belgium 3-2 in the round of 32, considered a failure by the federation. Thiaw’s side held a 2-0 lead in the 86th minute, then allowed two late goals and a penalty in extra time to be eliminated.

In Group I action, Senegal defeated Iraq but lost to Norway and France. They advanced to the knockout stage as one of the eight third-place finishers, thanks to their five-goal win over Iraq.

More than 25% of the World Cup coaches have been fired or resigned since the their teams were eliminated.

In addition to Senegal, coaches from these countries are out of a job: Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Ghana, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, South Korea, Tunisia, Scotland and Uruguay.

More departures could occur, as well.