After Senegal's elimination, Habib Beye and Hervé Renard eye the Lions' bench

Senegal exited the 2026 World Cup in the Round of 16, losing 3-2 to Belgium in the final minutes of a match that seemed within reach. The defeat immediately put pressure on head coach Pape Thiaw, whose future at the helm of the Lions of Teranga is now openly questioned.

A statement from midfielder Pape Gueye crystallized the crisis: “I announce today that, as long as this technical staff remains, I will take a break from the national team.” Rare and weighty words that should weigh on the Senegalese Football Federation’s deliberations in the coming days. Pape Thiaw remains officially in position, but pressure is mounting.

On social media, two names dominate the debate. Habib Beye, a former Senegalese international recently sidelined at Olympique de Marseille, rallies a section of supporters who see in him a coach rooted in the country’s culture. “He is Senegalese, he knows the country perfectly, the culture and the expectations of the people,” his supporters summarize.

Hervé Renard, meanwhile, has an equally mobilized camp. The French coach, buoyed by two Africa Cup of Nations victories — with Zambia in 2012 and Côte d’Ivoire in 2015 — is presented by his backers as “the ideal replacement.” Some say they are ready to recruit him “no matter the price.”

But a third viewpoint is emerging, hostile to both candidates. Its proponents criticize Renard for having “proved nothing” since his continental successes, and judge Beye too inexperienced on the bench. The Senegalese Federation will have to choose between these three options — maintain Thiaw, appoint Beye, attract Renard — in a context of strong popular expectation.