More than 30,000 people have signed an online petition calling for the dismissal of Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw following the Teranga Lions’ dramatic exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The campaign gathered momentum after Senegal squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Belgium after extra time in the Round of 16, ending the country’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

The petition accuses Thiaw of poor tactical management, making substitutions too late and failing to build a new generation of players capable of sustaining Senegal’s recent success.

It also urges the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) to appoint a more experienced coach ahead of the next international competitions.

Criticism of Thiaw has intensified since the defeat, with many supporters and football pundits questioning his game management after Senegal appeared in complete control for much of the match.

The Teranga Lions had taken a commanding two-goal lead through first-half strikes from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr before Belgium staged a remarkable comeback. Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans levelled the contest to force extra time, with Tielemans converting a dramatic 125th-minute penalty following a VAR review to seal Belgium’s victory.

Despite the backlash, Thiaw defended his players and coaching decisions after the match.

“Football is not an 85-minute game,” the Senegal coach said, insisting the team had competed well but failed to see out the result.

The pressure on Thiaw has continued to mount in the aftermath of the defeat, with midfielder Pape Gueye also announcing that he would step away from international football for as long as the current coaching staff remains in charge.