Hervé Renard is returning to the Ivory Coast national team bench. More than 11 years after leading the Elephants to their first continental title at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, the French coach is back at the helm of the Ivorian national team. This appointment comes just one month after the end of his tenure with Tunisia, whom he managed at the 2026 World Cup.
A return after a first term crowned with success
Having already managed Ivory Coast between 2014 and 2015, Hervé Renard made history in Ivorian football by winning the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. This title, secured after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Ghana in the final, remains one of the national team's greatest achievements. Drawing on this experience and his deep understanding of African football, he returns to a team he knows well, aiming to further its development on the international stage.
Emerse Faé leaves his post
Hervé Renard succeeds Emerse Faé. A former assistant coach who became head coach, Faé also led Ivory Coast to a continental title by winning the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil. However, the Elephants' run at the 2026 World Cup ended in the round of 16 with a loss to Norway. Following this campaign, the Ivorian Football Federation decided to entrust the national team to the French coach once again.
A new challenge for one of Africa's most decorated coaches
Renowned for his successes on the African continent, Hervé Renard is preparing to open a new chapter with the Elephants. His objective will be to rely on a talented generation to maintain Ivory Coast's place among the leading nations of African football and to prepare for upcoming international competitions.
