The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has officially appointed Patrick Vieira as the new head coach of the Senegal national team, taking charge immediately in his very first international managerial role.
Vieira replaces Pape Thiaw, who stepped down following Senegal’s elimination in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they suffered a 3-2 extra-time defeat against Belgium.
The former Arsenal and France star has signed a two-year contract through 2028, though the federation has not disclosed details regarding his salary or financial bonuses.
Vieira’s debut match on the Senegal bench will take place on September 23, 2026, against Mozambique in the opening round of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, followed by fixtures against Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the same international break.
Born in Dakar, Senegal, before representing France internationally—where he won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000—Vieira began his coaching career with Manchester City U23s before managing New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg, and Genoa (leaving in November 2025).
