The 2026 World Cup will be remembered as a huge disappointment for Senegal. Beyond the early elimination of the Lions of Teranga, the tournament was marked by a series of internal difficulties that weakened the team. Issues with organization, tensions over bonuses, criticism of the delegation’s living conditions, and the dismissal of Pape Thiaw have put Senegalese football in a period of reflection. For Afrik-Foot, Philippe Troussier, former coach of several African nations, analyzed the reasons behind this failure and the challenges that now await the national team.
Throughout the tournament, several dysfunctions came to light. The case of Pape Thiaw particularly caught attention. The coach led the team for several months without a signed contract and without receiving his salary, a situation that was only regularized a few hours before the first match against Norway. Added to this were delays in bonus payments, criticism regarding the quality of accommodation and catering, and accusations against certain federation officials for their management of the stay in the United States.
After a frustrating elimination against Belgium (3-2), despite Senegal leading 2-0, the Senegalese Football Federation decided to terminate Pape Thiaw’s contract. For Philippe Troussier, this decision was expected, even if it doesn’t address the root of the problem.
« In situations like this, it’s often the coach who gets targeted, but Senegal’s failure, which I expected much better from, is the result of several dysfunctions. When participating in a major competition, you need calm, all bonus issues resolved, and the team in a bubble, which clearly wasn’t the case. »
The former coach of Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, South Africa, and Morocco believes that Senegal’s priority now is to rebuild a stable environment before the next challenges. For him, the choice of the future coach will be crucial to restore positive momentum to a group that still has enormous potential.
Regarding the succession of Pape Thiaw, several names are being discussed. Hervé Renard, with his experience on the African continent, Habib Beye, a former Senegalese international, and Patrick Vieira are among the main candidates. Philippe Troussier believes each has the necessary qualities to take on this challenge.
🚨 @afrikfoot spoke with Philippe Troussier
🇸🇳 First part this Saturday on Senegal
🗣️ Future coach, Mané’s future… The globetrotter shares his thoughts on the issues surrounding the Lions pic.twitter.com/aZwlmMU0vU
— Afrik-Foot (@afrikfoot) July 18, 2026
« Senegal will likely hire an experienced coach who knows international football well, as many Senegalese players play in Europe and are familiar with African football. Hervé Renard fits this profile. But I also think Habib Beye and Patrick Vieira are capable of taking on this challenge. »
The next coach will also have to handle a particularly sensitive issue: the future of Sadio Mané. The Al-Nassr forward has left doubts about his international career after the World Cup. Although no official decision has been announced yet, the question is already sparking many debates in Senegal.
For Philippe Troussier, the former Liverpool player can still provide valuable contributions to the Lions of Teranga, both on the field and through his leadership with the younger players.
« He is 34 years old, and I believe he can still contribute to his national team, on and off the pitch, as he means a lot in Senegal. He can look ahead to the 2027 AFCON. He seems to be in good physical shape. But the decision is ultimately his. We also need to understand the coach’s project and what he plans to do with the squad. »
As Senegal prepares to turn a new page in its history, the appointment of the next coach and Sadio Mané’s decision appear to be the two major issues that will shape the future of the Lions as they approach the 2027 AFCON and upcoming international campaigns.
