Ivory Coast reappoint Herve Renard for attempt at repeat of AFCON title

Ivory Coast has announced the return of French coach Herve Renard to manage its national football team. Renard, who led the nation to victory in the 2015 African Cup of Nations, replaces Emerse Fae, whose contract was not renewed following the recent World Cup campaign.

Fae's tenure ended after Ivory Coast reached the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in four attempts, though the team was eliminated by Norway in the round of 32. The federation opted for a change in direction despite this modest progress.

Renard brings extensive experience across African football, having previously coached national teams in Angola, Morocco, Zambia, and Saudi Arabia. He won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 while managing Zambia and has also coached Tunisia and France's women's Olympic team. His appointment to Saudi Arabia ended just before the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, despite helping the team secure qualification.

The 57-year-old coach will begin his tenure with Ivory Coast facing a significant challenge next month, as the team opens its qualifying campaign with a home match against Ghana, followed by a Group C fixture against Somalia four days later. Renard will target continental success when the African Cup of Nations takes place next year across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.