Overview
- The Senegalese Football Federation announced Tuesday that Patrick Vieira will replace Pape Thiaw as head coach, following Senegal’s round-of-32 exit at the 2026 World Cup.
- This is Vieira’s first senior national-team job after club spells at New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa and a playing career that included 107 caps for France.
- The FSF called the hire a strategic move to establish a high-level technical staff and said Vieira’s official presentation and contract details will be disclosed later.
- Vieira’s immediate task is to prepare Senegal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in the September 21–October 6, 2026 FIFA window while CAF finalises group schedules.
- Senegal still faces reputational and competitive pressure because CAF overturned its 2025 AFCON win and the federation has an appeal set for October 8 at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, a matter that could shape squad morale and selection.