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SportsSenegal in advanced talks with Patrick Vieira to become next head coach
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The Senegalese Football Federation is moving to replace head coach Pape Thiaw after a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign, where Senegal led Belgium 2-0 in the round of 16 but lost 3-2 in extra time. Thiaw's departure still requires approval from the Ministry of Sports, which is conducting its own assessment. According to Foot Mercato, former Arsenal captain and 1998 World Cup winner Patrick Vieira, who is free after leaving Genoa, is the top candidate and discussions are progressing well. Vieira has previously managed New York City, OGC Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg, and Genoa. Other candidates considered include Hervé Renard, while Omar Daf was never a serious option. The federation must first settle Thiaw's contract and obtain ministry approval before formalizing Vieira's appointment.
Source report
The post-Pape Thiaw era is already underway. While the current coach's departure still requires validation from the Ministry of Sports, the Senegalese Football Federation has moved forward on his succession. According to our information, Patrick Vieira is on the verge of becoming the new head coach of the Lions of Teranga.
A New Era for Senegalese Football
A new chapter is unfolding in Senegal. Following a particularly disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign, the Senegalese Football Federation has decided to initiate proceedings to terminate the contracts of Pape Thiaw and his entire technical staff.
Thiaw, who took charge of the Lions' bench at the end of 2024, had strengthened his standing with strong recent results. However, the World Cup proved decisive.
World Cup Exit
Senegal's tournament ended in heartbreak:
- Defeated by France and Norway in the group stage
- Secured qualification against Iraq
- Eliminated in the round of 16 by Belgium
Against Belgium, Senegal led 2-0 with minutes remaining before being overturned and losing 3-2 in extra time. The cruel defeat highlighted an underwhelming campaign, with several of Thiaw's decisions facing heavy criticism.
Patrick Vieira Emerges as Leading Candidate
Since the elimination, the Federation has decided to turn the page. The rift between Pape Thiaw and the leadership is now definitive, though his departure must still be formally ratified in coordination with the Ministry of Sports.
The FSF has officially announced the opening of a termination-of-functions procedure, while the ministry wishes to conduct its own assessment of Senegal's World Cup performance.
Behind the scenes, the succession plan is already well advanced. According to our information, Patrick Vieira is on the verge of becoming Senegal's next head coach.
Vieira's Profile
- Born in Dakar
- Free agent since departing Genoa
- 1998 World Cup champion
- Set as the priority candidate by Senegalese leaders to open a new cycle
Discussions have taken place in recent days, and the matter is progressing positively. Vieira has previously managed:
- New York City
- OGC Nice
- Crystal Palace
- Strasbourg
- Genoa
The former Arsenal captain would take on the role of national team coach for the first time.
Next Steps
Before Vieira's appointment can be formalized, the Federation must:
- Definitively settle Pape Thiaw's contractual situation
- Obtain the green light from the Ministry of Sports
Other Candidates Considered
Several other names were sounded out, including Hervé Renard. The Omar Daf lead was never truly concrete.
Published on 23/07/2026 at 17:59 — Updated on 23/07/2026 at 18:00
Source
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertRegional
Part of this Story
Senegal Dismisses Coach Thiaw, Vieira in Talks to Replace Him