Senegal name former France, Arsenal midfield general Vieira as coach

Senegal have appointed former France international Patrick Vieira as their new head coach in the wake of their Round of 32 exit at FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Dakar-born 50-year-old fills the Lions of Teranga post vacated by Pape Thiaw. His first task will be guiding the team to qualification for the next CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, before turning his attention to securing a place at FIFA World Cup 2030.

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Vieira was part of the France squad that lifted the World Cup on home turf in 1998 and enjoyed a trophy-laden career with Arsenal, Juventus and Inter Milan before the highly regarded midfielder hung up his boots and turned his attention to coaching.

After three years in charge of New York City in Major League Soccer (MLS), Vieira returned to Europe, where he managed OGC Nice, Crystal Palace, RC Strasbourg and, most recently, Genoa.

As well as the 1998 World Cup title, he also won UEFA EURO 2000 with Les Bleus before a dramatic 2006 World Cup, where he scored a crucial goal in the 3-1 Round of 16 win over Spain, only to suffer the agony of a penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the final.

Under Vieira’s leadership, Senegal – currently ranked 18th on the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking - will be looking to build on their recent performances.

Having qualified from a challenging Group I which also featured France and Norway, the Lions of Teranga looked on course for a place in the Round of 16 as they led Belgium 2-0 with only five minutes remaining, only to suffer late heartbreak and crash out 3-2 after extra time.