The exit of Senegal from the 2026 World Cup has sparked growing criticism of head coach Pape Thiaw, with an online petition calling for his immediate dismissal attracting more than 30,000 signatures following the team’s dramatic defeat by Belgium.
The petition, addressed to the president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) and members of its Executive Committee, argues that the national team’s elimination from the tournament was the consequence of tactical decisions and managerial choices that had been questioned throughout the competition.
Senegal were knocked out in the round of 32 after surrendering a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 to Belgium, a result that has become the focal point of supporters’ frustrations.
Those behind the petition say the federation should bring an end to the current coaching era and appoint a manager capable of leading a new generation of Senegalese players more effectively.
The campaign contends that the team’s disappointing World Cup performance reflected issues that had been evident before the knockout defeat. According to its organisers, tactical shortcomings and selection decisions contributed significantly to the country’s early exit.
A central criticism concerns the squad’s long-term development. The petition argues that Thiaw did not do enough to prepare the next generation of players, instead continuing to depend on several experienced members of the squad despite calls from some supporters to introduce more young talent into the team.
The authors also question aspects of team selection during the tournament, highlighting the handling of players who were not fully fit. They believe those decisions affected the team’s overall performance and contributed to the outcome of the campaign.
Much of the criticism has centred on Senegal’s defeat by Belgium, particularly the closing stages of the match. After establishing a 2-0 lead, Senegal conceded three goals to suffer a 3-2 loss, ending their hopes of progressing further in the competition.
The petition describes the management of the latter stages of that game as difficult to understand. Supporters who have signed the campaign believe changes from the bench came too late as Belgium mounted their comeback.
They also argue that the coaching staff failed to make full use of the five substitutions permitted during the match, saying additional changes could have provided much-needed energy to a side that struggled during the closing minutes.
Beyond the Belgium defeat, the petition points to what its organisers describe as a broader pattern of limited tactical adaptability. They say similar concerns were evident during Senegal’s preparation matches and continued throughout the group stage of the World Cup.
For those backing the initiative, these issues demonstrate the need for a change in direction.
The petition therefore urges the Senegalese Football Federation to begin a new chapter by appointing a coach who can maximise the potential of the country’s emerging generation of footballers.
With the number of signatures continuing to grow beyond 30,000, the campaign underlines the strength of feeling among sections of the Senegal support following the team’s World Cup elimination and places additional pressure on the federation as it considers its next steps after the tournament.
