Senegal have fired manager Pape Thiaw in the wake of a dramatic World Cup exit, as the tournament marches towards a blockbuster semi-final between England and Argentina.
The Teranga Lions, managed by Thiaw since December 2024, were eliminated at the last-32 stage after a 3-2 defeat to Belgium. They had led 2-0 only to concede two late goals and a penalty in extra time. Earlier, Senegal lost to France and Norway, then thrashed Iraq 5-0 to scrape through as one of the best third-placed teams.
“Senegal sack Pape Thiaw after World Cup exit; England face Argentina in semi-final.”
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) said it dismissed Thiaw “after a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team … in the best interests of Senegalese football”. Midfielder Pape Gueye had already announced he would “take a break” from international duty while the current management remained.
Thiaw’s tenure was overshadowed by the controversy at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, when he led his players off the pitch after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty in the final. The players returned after about 17 minutes, Brahim Diaz’s spot-kick was saved, and Gueye scored an extra-time winner. But in March, the Confederation of African Football overturned the result following Senegal’s walk-off, handing Morocco the title. Senegal have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
As Senegal regroup, the World Cup enters its final stages. England set up a semi-final against Argentina after beating Norway, though manager Thomas Tuchel admitted his side were “lucky” to progress. Lionel Messi, who has never faced England in his two-decade international career, described the Three Lions as a “powerhouse”. Argentina fans, meanwhile, have expressed confidence, calling the clash “easy peasy”.
The semi-finals promise high drama, but for Senegal, the fallout from a turbulent campaign continues.