The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has officially denied rumors that head coach Pape Thiaw refused to travel to the US with the team for the 2026 World Cup preparations due to a contract dispute. According to the FSF, these reports are completely false, with the nearly 8-hour flight delay caused solely by logistical issues such as flight permits and visas.
In a statement, the FSF said: “The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) wishes to inform the domestic and international public about the circumstances of the national team's departure to the US, in order to establish the facts in the face of false information spread by some media and social networks. The FSF completely denies baseless rumors that the national team head coach refused to travel due to reasons related to contract renegotiation. Although contract discussions are legitimately ongoing, they have not affected the team's travel schedule.”
The FSF emphasized that these minor logistical hurdles have not weakened the unity or determination of the players, coaching staff, or federation. The collective remains fully united as the team prepares for key matches in the US.
Coach Pape Thiaw, 45, was appointed as Senegal's head coach in December 2024 and led the team to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 title, which concluded in January. However, the final victory over Morocco was marred by a mid-match boycott when players and coaching staff left the pitch in protest of a refereeing decision, particularly a penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time. After returning 14 minutes later, Morocco forward Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, and Senegal won 1-0 in extra time. The title was later awarded to Morocco after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reviewed an appeal. Senegal has submitted an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), a ruling that could take up to a year.
This will be Senegal's fourth appearance at a World Cup. They are in Group I of the 2026 tournament, facing France on June 16, Norway on June 22 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and Iraq in Toronto on June 26. Before that, they will play two friendlies: against the US in Charlotte, North Carolina next Sunday, and against Saudi Arabia in San Antonio, Texas on June 9.
