After 2-3 knockout by Belgium, Senegal removes head coach

Senegal’s journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an abrupt end after a 2-3 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 32. In response, the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) acted swiftly, voting to dismiss head coach Papé Thiéaw and his entire technical staff.

The executive committee met on Saturday, July 11, 2026, and concluded that the national team’s recent results demanded decisive action. Papé Thiéaw, appointed in December 2024, guided the Lions through a challenging group stage that saw losses to France and Norway. A dominant 5‑0 win over Iran later rescued the team, earning a place among the best third‑placed qualifiers.

In the knockout encounter in Seattle, Senegal led 2-0 for most of the match, only for Belgium to rally with two goals in the closing minutes, forcing extra time. A penalty conversion by Yuri Tilman secured a 3‑2 win for the Belgians.

Following a comprehensive review of the squad’s performance and forward‑looking plans, the FSF determined that a change in coaching leadership was essential to revive Senegal’s football ambitions.