The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has appointed French coach Hervé Renard as the new head coach of the Ivory Coast national football team, marking his second spell in charge of the Elephants.
He replaces Emerse Faé, whose contract was not renewed after the team’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Renard is no stranger to Ivorian football. He first managed the national team between 2014 and 2015 and guided the Elephants to victory at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) where they beat Ghana on penalties to lift the trophy, ending the country’s 23-year wait for the continental title. His return is expected to boost Ivory Coast’s ambitions as they prepare for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The 57-year-old is regarded as one of Africa’s most successful football coaches. He made history by becoming the first coach to win the AFCON with two different countries after leading Zambia to a memorable triumph in 2012 before lifting the trophy again with Ivory Coast three years later.
He has also managed Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the France women’s national team and most recently Tunisia during the closing stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Renard’s immediate task will be to prepare Ivory Coast for the upcoming AFCON qualifying campaign, where the Ivorian team will aim to secure another appearance at the continent’s biggest football tournament.
