Patrick Vieira named Senegal head coach

Patrick Vieira has been appointed head coach of Senegal, the Senegal-born former Arsenal captain, the appointment was announced on 18 August 2026 and he succeeds Pape Thiaw, who was dismissed after Senegal’s defeat by Belgium in the last 32 at this summer’s World Cup.

Vieira had been out of work since leaving his post as manager of the Serie A side Genoa last November. "Mr Patrick Vieira is the new coach of the Senegalese national A team," read a statement. "The date of the official presentation and the next steps in its installation will be communicated at a later date. Welcome to Senegal, coach."