The Senegal Football Federation has dismissed national team manager Pape Thiaw following the Teranga Lions’ exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

The decision came hours after Senegal lost 3-2 to Belgium in extra time in the round of 32, a result that ended the country’s tournament in North America.

Thiaw had been in charge since December 2024 and oversaw a turbulent group stage. Senegal opened with defeats to France and Norway, leaving them on the brink. 

They responded with a 5-0 win over Iraq, enough to advance as one of the best third-placed teams and reach the knockout round.

Against Belgium, Senegal led 2-0 but could not hold on. Two late goals in regulation forced extra time, and Youri Tielemans converted a penalty to complete a 3-2 comeback for Belgium and send them through. 

The collapse prompted an immediate reaction from the squad. Midfielder Pape Gueye announced he would be “taking a break” from international duty while the current coaching staff remained in place.

In a statement, the FSF said the dismissal followed “a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team” and was made “in the best interests of Senegalese football.” The federation has not named a successor.

The World Cup exit adds to a difficult year for Thiaw and Senegal. In January, during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, Thiaw led the team off the pitch in protest after a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to Morocco. 

The players returned about 17 minutes later, and Senegal won in extra time, but CAF later overturned the result in March and awarded the title to Morocco. 

Senegal has appealed that decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and is seeking to have the Afcon trophy reinstated.

Thiaw, who played for Senegal at the 2002 World Cup, leaves with the team still searching for stability on and off the field.

With qualifying for the next AFCON cycle approaching, the federation will now move to appoint a new head coach to lead the Teranga Lions forward.