Hervé Renard returns to coach Ivory Coast
Frenchman Hervé Renard has been appointed as the head coach of the Ivory Coast national football team for a second time, the Ivorian Football Federation announced. He previously led the Elephants to their second Africa Cup of Nations title in 2015. Renard is notably the only coach to have won the Africa Cup of Nations with two different countries, also guiding Zambia to victory in 2012.His reappointment follows the departure of Emerse Faé. Faé led Ivory Coast to the 2024 AFCON title on home soil and guided them to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the country's best-ever performance at the tournament.Renard's recent coaching history includes an interim spell with Tunisia during the 2026 World Cup. Prior to that, he managed Saudi Arabia, qualifying them for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He also coached the France women's national team, leading them to the quarterfinals of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.The experienced tactician is highly regarded in Ivory Coast for his past success and deep knowledge of African football. His return is seen as a strategic move to restore stability and leverage his proven track record in major tournaments. Renard's immediate focus will be on the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, starting in September.The Ivorian Football Federation expressed its desire to consolidate the national team's recent achievements and pursue ambitious goals on both the African and international stages with Renard at the helm. He is expected to arrive in Abidjan in the coming days to assume his duties.
