Senegal has parted company with manager Pape Thiaw after the country’s last-32 elimination at the World Cup 2026.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) confirmed the decision on Sunday in a statement that read: “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.”

Senegal arrived at the World Cup with high expectations as the reigning Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion.

However, their campaign in North America struggled from the start, as the team lost their opening two group matches against France and Norway.

The Lions of Teranga managed to scrape into the round of 32 as one of the best third-place teams following a 5-0 victory over Iraq.

The African side’s tournament journey ended in that round with a 3-2 defeat to Belgium, despite the team leading 2-0 in the 86th minute.

Thiaw took charge as national team head coach in 2024 and led the squad to AFCON success in January by defeating Morocco in the final.

However, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) stripped Senegal of that title two months later following a controversy in which the 45-year-old played a central role.

Thiaw instructed his team to leave the pitch when officials awarded Morocco a stoppage-time penalty.

The players eventually returned to the field before Brahim Diaz’s spot-kick was saved, allowing Senegal to win the match in extra-time.

Caf overturned the result of the match in March, declaring Morocco the winners.

Senegal has since appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport as they hope to regain the title.