Senegal sack manager Thiaw in wake of World Cup exit

Senegal have sacked manager Pape Thiaw following their exit from the 2026 World Cup at the last-32 stage. The Teranga Lions, managed by Thiaw since December 2024, lost their opening two group games to France and Norway before thrashing Iraq 5-0 to qualify for the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams. In the last-32 tie, Senegal led Belgium 2-0 but conceded two late goals and a penalty in extra time, losing 3-2. Following the exit, midfielder Pape Gueye announced he would be "taking a break" from playing for Senegal while the current management remained in charge. The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) stated that after a thorough evaluation of sporting results and prospects, it dismissed Thiaw "in the best interests of Senegalese football." Senegal had entered the World Cup after appealing a decision by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to strip them of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title. That controversy stemmed from the Afcon final in January, when Thiaw led his team off the field after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. The players returned after a 17-minute delay, and Senegal won in extra time, but Caf later overturned the result due to the walk-off, declaring Morocco the winners. Senegal have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.