Eliminated in Round of 16, Senegal Eyes Vieira to Replace Pape Thiaw

Senegal is searching for a new head coach following their early elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Defeated 3-2 by Belgium in the Round of 16, the Lions of Teranga have weakened Pape Thiaw’s position, and his future leading the national team is now uncertain.

According to L’Équipe, Patrick Vieira is one of the names circulating within the Senegalese Football Federation. The former France midfielder, born in Dakar, appeals to several officials through his prestige, his experience at the highest level, and his personal ties to the country. Alongside Jimmy Adjovi-Boco, he participated in creating the Diambars academy, which has become a reference in local player development and notably contributed to the emergence of Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His profile does raise some concerns, however. After spells managing New York City, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg, and Genoa, Vieira has never managed to establish himself durably or produce consistent results. Free since leaving the Italian club in November 2025, he retains a prestigious image, but his managerial record falls well short of his playing career.

The Senegalese Federation is also examining other candidates. Hervé Renard, with extensive experience in African football and international competitions, represents a solid option. Habib Beye, who knows the Senegalese environment intimately, is a more recent profile and equally credible.

Vieira thus appears as a choice with strong symbolic value, but also as an uncertain gamble for a national team that needs quick results after this World Cup disappointment.