Patrick Vieira has emerged as the leading candidate to become Senegal’s next head coach following the team’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.
The Senegalese Football Federation has begun planning for the national team’s future after its World Cup exit, with Vieira among the primary names being considered to replace current coach Pape Thiaw, per the report.
The federation is seeking a coach with international experience to guide the team through its next cycle, which includes the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup.
Vieira, 49, is one of France’s most decorated former players, having won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with Les Bleus. During his club career, he won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal, where he also served as captain, and represented AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Manchester City.
Since transitioning to coaching, Vieira has managed Manchester City’s youth setup, New York City FC in MLS, French side Nice, Premier League club Crystal Palace, and most recently Strasbourg in Ligue 1.
While he has never coached a national team, Vieira is respected for his European football experience and his track record of developing young players.
If appointed, he would become the first French coach to lead Senegal since Alain Giresse, taking over a side aiming to reestablish itself among Africa’s elite and on the global stage.
