Senegal coaching hunt for Patrick Vieira or Herve Renard bogged down by political tensions

Senegal’s search for a new national team head coach has become entangled in domestic political disputes, leaving Patrick Vieira and Herve Renard waiting for a decision in the aftermath of the country’s World Cup exit.

The Senegalese Football Federation has yet to confirm the departure of current coach Pape Thiaw following elimination in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, where the “Lions of Teranga” were beaten 3-2 by Belgium. But, according to French newspaper L’Equipe, his exit is now regarded as almost certain and a successor is being lined up.

L’Equipe reports that former France midfielder Vieira and experienced French coach Renard are the two leading contenders to take charge, yet the choice has been delayed by internal disputes and political infighting reaching the highest levels of power in Senegal.

Vieira seen as leading candidate

Vieira, who was born in Dakar, is viewed as the front-runner within the federation. Out of work since leaving Genoa in November 2025, he is said to enjoy strong backing among senior figures at the Senegalese Football Federation.

His Senegalese roots and previous involvement in local football structures are understood to be key factors. Vieira has invested in the Diambars academy, one of the country’s most prominent player development centres, which has further strengthened his standing among decision-makers in Dakar.

Sources cited by L’Equipe say talks with Vieira are already at an advanced stage. The 1998 World Cup winner is reported to have given his initial approval to take on the role, pending the federation’s final decision and completion of the necessary formalities.

Renard’s African track record keeps him in frame

Renard, however, remains a serious alternative. The 55-year-old has one of the most successful coaching records in African football, having guided Zambia to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations title before repeating the feat with Cote d’Ivoire in 2015. That achievement made him the first coach to win the competition with two different national teams.

Although his most recent spell in African football – a brief stint in charge of Tunisia at the World Cup – was short-lived, Renard’s name has not been dropped from Senegal’s shortlist. His experience of tournament football on the continent continues to appeal to sections of the federation and political figures with influence over sporting appointments.

Political split slows final decision

According to the report, the choice of Senegal’s next head coach has effectively become part of a broader political struggle. Ongoing tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former prime minister Ousmane Sonko within the ruling Pastef party are said to be weighing on decisions taken by the Senegalese Football Federation.

Those internal rivalries have contributed to the standstill, with competing camps reportedly favouring different options for the national team job and seeking to shape the outcome.

At this stage, no formal announcement has been made. The federation is waiting to complete procedures related to terminating Pape Thiaw’s contract and must also secure approval from the Ministry of Sports before naming a new coach.

Only once those steps are finalised is Senegal expected to confirm whether Vieira or Renard – or potentially another candidate – will lead the “Lions of Teranga” into the next cycle, which includes preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and qualification for the 2030 World Cup.