Senegal: World Cup Winner Patrick Vieira Appointed Senegal Coach

What the report says

Patrick Vieira has been named head coach of Senegal, according to the Confederation of African Football article distributed by AllAfrica. The Senegalese Football Federation confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, with Vieira succeeding Pape Thiaw as the Teranga Lions begin a new phase after an early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The contract length and details of his formal presentation were not immediately disclosed.

Vieira, 50, is taking his first role in international management. He was born in Dakar and moved to France as a child, but spent his playing career representing France, winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. He is also widely known for his long spell at Arsenal, where he was captain of the club’s unbeaten 2003-04 Premier League side. His coaching background includes jobs in club football in the United States, France, England and Italy.

The appointment gives Senegal a high-profile coach as it looks to rebuild momentum and prepare for qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. CAF’s report said Senegal’s immediate focus will be on the next international window and the start of the AFCON qualifying campaign, which is expected to begin in September. More broadly, the move marks a symbolic return for Vieira to the country of his birth and a major shift for Senegal after the disappointment of its World Cup campaign.