Former Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira is closing in on the Senegal national team managerial job, emerging as the frontrunner to succeed Pape Thiaw following the Lions of Teranga’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Initially, Hervé Renard was heavily linked with the post, with local reports placing him at the top of the shortlist due to his vast African football experience—having famously won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015. However, momentum has now swung decisively in Vieira’s favor.
According to journalist Santi Aouna, talks between the World Cup winner and the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) have reached an advanced stage. While no formal contract has been signed yet, both parties are finalizing key details regarding the project and backroom staff.
The decision to part ways with Thiaw came after Senegal’s Round of 32 exit at the 2026 World Cup. Thiaw, who initially took charge as interim boss following Aliou Cissé’s departure in October 2024 before being permanently appointed, guided Senegal to the 2025 AFCON final and World Cup qualification.
Senegal’s campaign in North America opened with defeats to France (3-1) and Norway (3-2), followed by a 5-0 win over Iraq to progress as one of the best third-placed teams. However, their run ended dramatically against Belgium in a 3-2 extra-time loss, despite Senegal racing into a 2-0 lead.
Vieira’s Managerial Career and Upcoming Challenges
Born in Dakar, Vieira has been out of management since leaving Genoa in November 2025, when the Serie A side sat bottom of the table without a win in their opening 9 games. His coaching CV includes spells at New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace—where he reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 2021-22—and Strasbourg.
If appointed, Vieira’s immediate priority will be the AFCON 2027 qualifiers starting this September. Senegal has been drawn into Group J alongside Mozambique, Sudan, and Ethiopia, aiming for a spot at the tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in summer 2027.
