Senegal got absolutely dumped out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Round of 32, and now manager Pape Thiaw’s job is hanging by a thread. This isn't just about losing; it’s about *how* they lost. L’Équipe reports that Patrick Vieira is now a serious contender to take over.
A World Cup Collapse Nobody Saw Coming
Can you believe it? Senegal, the squad that took down Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year, went out of the World Cup in the Round of 32 in the most brutal way possible. They were up 2-0 against Belgium, cruising, heading into the final stages of the game. Then, BAM! A quickfire brace from the Red Devils, followed by a Youri Tielemans winner deep into injury time. Just like that, Thiaw's side was out. That kind of perceived failure? It puts the manager's position under serious threat.Vieira Waiting in the Wings?
So, with Thiaw's future set to be decided today after a full debrief of the World Cup campaign, some federation members are reportedly eyeing Vieira. And honestly, it makes a ton of sense. The guy was born in Dakar, Senegal’s capital. He’s already invested in one of the nation’s biggest training centers, Diambars. Plus, he's currently not attached to a club, having left Genoa back in November. He’s available, he’s got ties, and he knows the game. What's going to happen today? Thiaw's fate could be sealed, and Vieira could be stepping into one of the biggest jobs in African football. Keep your eyes peeled, because this could be huge for Senegal’s future.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.