Patrick Vieira Appointed as New Senegal Coach

Former French international midfielder Patrick Vieira, born in Dakar, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Senegal national team, succeeding Babacar Tiao, who was dismissed after the 2026 World Cup, the Senegalese Football Federation announced yesterday.

In a statement on social media, the Senegalese Football Federation said, “Patrick Vieira has been appointed as the new head coach of the senior Senegal national team. The date for the official presentation and the next steps for his appointment will be announced later. Welcome to Senegal as coach,” without disclosing the duration of the contract.

The first task for the 50-year-old, who won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship with France as a player, will be to lead the national team in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin next month.

The Senegalese Football Federation described the appointment of the former Arsenal and Inter Milan star as a “strategic choice” that “marks a new phase in the Senegalese Football Federation’s efforts to establish a high-level technical staff, in line with the sporting ambitions of our country.”

The federation parted ways with Tiao after Senegal’s exit in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, where they were defeated by Belgium (3-2 after extra time).

Senegal lost their opening match against France 3-1, drew with Norway 3-2, and then secured a convincing 5-0 victory over Iraq, which allowed them to finish among the best third-placed teams and reach the Round of 32.

In the Round of 32, Senegal led Belgium 2-0 until the 86th minute and seemed on course for the quarter-finals, before conceding three goals, the last one in the dying moments of extra time.

Following their World Cup exit, Senegalese fans demanded radical changes to the national team’s structure, with petitions calling for Tiao’s dismissal receiving widespread support. Reports also indicated internal tensions within the squad following the tournament. Midfielder Babacar Gueye threatened to stop playing for the national team “as long as this technical staff remains.”

Tiao, 45, who replaced Aliou Cissé in late 2024, had led Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier that year, where they defeated Morocco. However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later stripped Senegal of the title due to violations that occurred during the chaotic final in Rabat.

The appointment marks Vieira’s sixth managerial role, following spells at New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg, and Italian club Genoa, from which he departed in early November 2025.