Senegal appoints Patrick Vieira as national team head coach

The Senegalese Football Federation has confirmed the appointment of Patrick Vieira as the new head coach of the Senegal national football team. The announcement, made on Tuesday, sees the former France midfielder take charge of the squad following their elimination from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 32.

Vieira, aged 50 and born in Dakar, succeeds Pape Thiaw, whose tenure concluded after the team’s exit from the tournament. In a statement released on X, the federation outlined the immediate transition, noting that the date for the official presentation and further steps in his installation would be announced subsequently.

This role represents the first time Vieira has managed a national team. His coaching career has previously been defined by club stints across Europe, including tenures at Crystal Palace in the English Premier League, French sides Nice and Strasbourg, and a brief period with Italian club Genoa.

The 50-year-old arrives with a significant playing legacy, having won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with France while earning more than 100 caps. At club level, he is widely recognised for his time at Arsenal, where he made over 400 appearances and secured three Premier League titles.

Vieira is set to begin his tenure next month as Senegal, the reigning 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champions, prepares for the qualifiers for the 2027 tournament. The first matches under his guidance are expected during the upcoming international window, with the qualification campaign potentially commencing as early as September.