CORNERFLICK
Senegal have dismissed Pape Bouna Thiaw after a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign ended in the last 16.
The Senegalese Football Federation confirmed the decision in a formal statement, saying the results in the tournament made a change in the technical staff unavoidable if the team is to get back on track.
Senegal went to the World Cup as one of Africa’s leading sides after winning the Africa Cup of Nations, although that result against Morocco remains under review at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Thiaw’s team lost to France and Norway in the group stage, then looked set for progress after going 2-0 up against Belgium in the round of 16. Belgium recovered to force extra time and Senegal were beaten 3-2.
The 45-year-old also had disciplinary issues hanging over him after a five-match ban from the Confederation of African Football for ordering players to walk off in the controversial Africa Cup final against Morocco. French newspaper L’Équipe reports that Senegal have already opened early talks with Patrick Vieira, who was born in Dakar and has emerged as the leading candidate to take over.