Senegal’s elimination in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup continues to shake things up within the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF). After a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Belgium, the Lions exited the tournament despite having a two-goal lead. This defeat, seen as a major failure given the ambitions expressed before the tournament, prompted the federation’s leaders to act quickly. According to reports from Portuguese media outlet Record and picked up by senegaldirect, an extraordinary emergency committee meeting took place on the night of July 1 in Seattle to assess the situation.
Gathered around president Abdoulaye Fall, the key figures of the FSF conducted a detailed analysis of the national team’s journey. The findings were particularly harsh. In four matches played during this World Cup, Senegal only won one game and lost three. This record starkly contrasts with the goals set before heading to the United States and is considered internally as very insufficient for a nation used to aiming for top honors on the international stage.
During this meeting, several aspects of the sports management were called into question. Pape Thiaw’s tactical choices faced heavy criticism. Some officials believe the team line-ups were not always suited to the opponents faced. The substitutions made during matches, often deemed too late, also fueled the discussions. The game against Belgium, where the Lions let slip a two-goal lead before losing, is seen as a symbol of the difficulties faced by the coaching staff throughout the tournament.
Pape Thiaw’s position was already shaky before this elimination. As early as June 20, several international media reports indicated internal tensions within the squad. In this context, the Senegalese Football Federation had expedited discussions regarding his contract, following pressure from the highest levels of the state. Despite this delicate atmosphere, the coach continued his mission, hoping to turn things around after a particularly tough start to the tournament.
Senegal’s first two defeats marked a turning point. For the first time in its history, the Senegalese team lost its first two matches in a World Cup final phase. Despite these worrying results, Pape Thiaw refused to label it a failure. On June 25, he expressed confidence in front of the media, stating: “The goal is to try to qualify.” Before the Round of 16 match against Belgium, he also called for a “revolt” from his players, convinced that his group could turn the tide.
🚨🚨 PAPE THIAW SHOULD NOT CONTINUE COACHING SENEGAL 🇸🇳 !!! ❌
He should not survive the Lions of Teranga’s failure during the World Cup.
🗞️ @lequipe pic.twitter.com/2DvfTXXNnK
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) July 3, 2026
The defeat against the Red Devils has profoundly changed the game. According to Record, several members of the emergency committee now believe the coach must take responsibility for this failure. Internally, the idea that he should resign is gaining traction. No official decision has been announced by the FSF yet, but the coming hours could be crucial for Pape Thiaw’s future with the Lions. The Federation is expected to continue consultations before announcing its position on the national coach’s future.
