Senegal’s elimination in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup against Belgium (3-2) sparks deep reflection within the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF). As criticism mounts following this early exit, the future of coach Pape Thiaw looks more uncertain than ever. Federation leaders are now called to make important decisions to revive the national team and prepare for upcoming international challenges.
At the FSF headquarters, discussions intensified the day after this elimination. While no official statement has been released regarding the coach’s future, several meetings are dedicated to evaluating the Lions’ performance during the tournament. President Abdoulaye Fall and the Executive Committee members want to learn from this World Cup campaign before announcing any potential measures. The appointment of a new coach is already one of the main topics on the table.
Despite winning a continental title in his first major competition as head coach, Pape Thiaw failed to confirm those promises on the world stage. The defeat against Belgium, after squandering a significant lead, intensified criticism of his tactical choices and management during crucial moments. Several observers also mention internal tensions and organizational difficulties that may have disrupted the team’s preparation throughout the tournament.
In this context, the Federation is exploring several profiles to take charge of the Lions. According to various sources close to the matter, one clear priority is emerging: to appoint a Senegalese coach. This direction aims to preserve the identity of the sporting project while relying on a coach who knows national football, the team’s culture, and the expectations of the fans.
Among the most frequently mentioned candidates, Habib Bèye stands out. The former Senegalese international defender has a solid reputation due to his coaching career and understanding of high-level football. His name keeps coming up in discussions among federation officials, who see him as a profile capable of injecting new energy into a team seeking to rebuild after this global disappointment.
According to several specialized media outlets, preliminary talks have already taken place between the Federation and Habib Bèye’s entourage to assess the feasibility of a future collaboration. However, no agreement has been reached at this stage. The coach, who has often expressed his ambition to lead the Senegalese national team one day, may also prioritize a new club project before considering a return home.
The final decision will rest with President Abdoulaye Fall, in consultation with the National Technical Directorate led by Souleymane Diallo and the members of the FSF Executive Committee. The leaders must decide whether to continue with a local coach or consider a more marked break by exploring other candidates, including foreign ones. The coming weeks will be crucial for the future of the Lions of Teranga and for preparing for the next international competitions.
🚨 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘́𝗡𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗟 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗨𝗣 𝗛𝗔𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗖 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 🇸🇳😳
Several of them concern Pape Thiaw and Pape Gueye 👇 :
■ 1. Part of the FSF may not be convinced… pic.twitter.com/QWeqtIbg2O
— Foot Mercato (@footmercato) July 3, 2026
