Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has come under intense criticism from the country’s media following the Lions of Teranga’s dramatic elimination from the 2026 World Cup, with several newspapers questioning his decisions and some openly calling for his resignation.
The backlash followed Senegal’s 3-2 extra-time defeat by Belgium in the round of 32, a match in which the West African side surrendered a two-goal advantage late in normal time before eventually being knocked out.
Having led by two goals in the 85th minute, Senegal appeared on course to reach the next stage of the tournament. However, Belgium staged a remarkable comeback before securing victory in extra time, bringing the Lions’ World Cup campaign to an abrupt end.
The result has prompted widespread criticism of Thiaw in Senegal, where newspapers have delivered harsh assessments of the coach’s handling of the decisive encounter.
Among the strongest reactions came from Le Soleil, which described Thiaw as a “nightmare coach” in the aftermath of the defeat.
Other publications also focused on what they regarded as costly tactical decisions during the match.
According to Libération Sénégal, journalists criticised the former striker’s “disastrous and dramatic decisions” as they reflected on the collapse against Belgium.
Meanwhile, Yoor-Yoor placed the blame for Senegal’s exit firmly on the coach, running the headline: “How the coach handed qualification to Belgium.”
The newspaper went even further in its assessment, writing that “the dagger in the 120th minute bears the exclusive signature of Pape Thiaw.”
The criticism did not stop there, with some commentators arguing that the defeat should bring an end to Thiaw’s tenure as national team coach.
Among those taking that position was L’OBS, whose front page featured a prominent message urging the coach to step aside. The publication displayed the headline “Pape, Ciao!” as calls for his resignation gathered momentum following the team’s exit.
The dramatic nature of the defeat has intensified scrutiny of the Senegal manager.
After building what looked to be a commanding advantage with only minutes of normal time remaining, Senegal failed to preserve their lead, allowing Belgium back into the contest before eventually losing 3-2 after extra time.
The collapse has dominated discussion in the Senegalese media, with much of the post-match analysis focusing on the decisions made from the technical area during the closing stages of the contest.
For many newspapers, the manner of the defeat was as significant as the result itself, leading to strongly worded editorials and front-page headlines directed at the national team coach.
Senegal’s World Cup campaign therefore ended amid considerable disappointment, while the aftermath has been marked by growing pressure on Thiaw as criticism from the country’s media continues to intensify.
The reaction across the national press reflects the frustration generated by a defeat that saw the Lions of Teranga lose from a winning position, transforming what had appeared to be a comfortable route into the next round into one of the tournament’s most dramatic eliminations.
