Senegal’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been affected by several off-field issues, including unpaid bonuses, food complaints, and uncertainty surrounding the contract of head coach Pape Thiaw.
The Teranga Lions have lost their first two group matches against France and Norway, putting their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 in danger. To keep their chances alive, Senegal must defeat Iraq in their final group game and hope results in other matches work in their favour.
Reports from BBC Africa revealed that disputes over player bonuses and concerns about accommodation and food have created tension within the camp.
The Senegal squad is staying at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
While some reports suggested that players were unhappy with the food, it was later clarified that the complaints mainly came from members of the delegation and not from the players or coaching staff.
The team’s regular chef travelled with the squad and handled preparations before leaving due to personal reasons. A replacement chef was brought in, and players reportedly have no issues with the meals being served.
Some federation officials and their family members have also been staying near the team’s hotel, leading to concerns among certain members of the delegation.
Another major issue involved unpaid bonuses owed to players and staff. The payments were eventually made by the Senegalese government shortly before an important World Cup match.
Speaking about the situation, coach Pape Thiaw admitted that there had been some problems within the team setup but insisted that everyone remained focused on the tournament.
“There have been some difficulties involving the players, staff and football federation, but our main focus is the next game,” Thiaw said.
The coach also expressed confidence in Senegal’s chances, saying he still believes the team can achieve success at the World Cup.
Away from the pitch, Thiaw has also been involved in lengthy contract negotiations with the Senegalese Football Federation. After guiding Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations final in 2025, his previous contract expired, and talks over a new deal dragged on for several months.
Because coaching contracts in Senegal require approval from government authorities, negotiations were delayed, forcing Thiaw to travel to the United States for the World Cup without a signed agreement.
An agreement was eventually reached during the tournament, with Thiaw reportedly set to earn about £480,000 per year, along with an annual bonus of £80,000.
Despite the distractions, Senegal will now focus on their crucial match against Iraq as they seek a place in the knockout stage of the World Cup.
