Senegal appoint Vieira as new head coach

Senegal's football federation officially named Patrick Vieira as the country's new head coach on Tuesday afternoon.

Vieira takes over from Thiaw

The former France and Arsenal midfielder, who was born in Dakar, succeeds Pape Thiaw after Senegal's disappointing World Cup 2026 campaign. Senegal reached the last 16 as Group I's third-placed side, with a single win against Iraq, before losing 3-2 to Belgium and exiting the tournament.

Vieira, 50, has been out of work since Genoa dismissed him in mid-November last year. His previous coaching jobs include Nice, Crystal Palace and Strasbourg.

First task ahead

His first assignment with Senegal will be the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.