Senegal names Vieira head coach after World Cup disappointment

Senegal has appointed Patrick Vieira as its new head coach. Vieira, a 1998 World Cup winner with France, replaces Pape Thiaw who was dismissed after Senegal's World Cup exit. According to Yahoo Sports, Thiaw was sacked less than two weeks after Senegal's bruising loss to Belgium in the last 32 of the World Cup.

Vieira, born in Dakar, Senegal, moved to France at age eight and had a successful playing career with Arsenal and France, winning numerous titles including the World Cup and European Championship. As reported by France 24, Vieira takes charge of a national team for the first time, having previously coached in England, France, and Italy.

The Senegalese Football Federation announced Vieira's appointment, stating it reflects their desire to strengthen their high-level technical staff and aligns with the nation's sporting ambitions, as per BBC Sport Football. Vieira's first matches in charge will be next month in qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Details of his contract and starting date are still being discussed.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria, Yahoo Sports, BusinessDay Nigeria, France 24, BBC Sport Football — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.