Pape Gueye could return as Senegal move to dismiss Pape Thiaw | OneFootball

Senegal have begun proceedings to dismiss head coach Pape Thiaw after their 2026 World Cup exit, a move that could clear the way for Pape Gueye to rejoin the national team. The federation announced on Sunday that it had started the procedure to remove Thiaw and his staff following elimination in the round of 32.

The executive committee met on Saturday 11 July 2026 and, after an exhaustive review of results and prospects, judged the step necessary for the good development of Senegalese football.

The decision followed a painful loss to Belgium. Senegal led 2-0 with four minutes left, allowed Belgium to level, then were beaten in extra time by a 119th-minute penalty.

Gueye was substituted on 66 minutes and showed clear frustration as he left the pitch, making plain afterwards that the change was not linked to any physical issue.

Hours later, he made it known on social media that he would step away from international duty while the same coaching staff remained in post. With the federation process under way, a return becomes possible once departures are completed, potentially restoring one of Senegal’s leading figures of recent competitions.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo