Hervé Renard has completed a return to the Côte d’Ivoire national team more than a decade after his first spell ended in AFCON Victory, with the French coach describing his decision as the acceptance of a challenge built on the quality of the squad he inherits and the momentum surrounding Ivorian football.
The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) confirmed Renard’s appointment as head coach of the Elephants, succeeding Emerse Fae, whose contract was not renewed following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
The 57-year-old tactician first led Côte d’Ivoire to glory at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, ending a 23-year wait for continental success and cementing his reputation as one of African football’s most decorated foreign coaches.
Speaking on his reappointment, Renard explained the reasoning behind his decision to take up the role once again.
I accepted the challenge of returning to the Elephants eleven years later because they are a great team. They have players of exceptional quality, a country full of excitement and a fantastic momentum.” Hervé Renard, Head Coach, Côte d’Ivoire
Renard pointed to Côte d’Ivoire’s recent World Cup campaign as further evidence of the platform he is inheriting, while acknowledging that the squad’s development is far from complete.
They had a great World Cup, and there is still room for improvement. That’s why I accepted the challenge of returning to Côte d’Ivoire.” Hervé Renard, Head Coach, Côte d’Ivoire
The Elephants reached the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup before their exit to Norway, marking their best showing at the tournament after a 12-year absence from the finals. That run came under Fae, who also guided the side to the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil, leaving Renard with a squad the federation describes as already among the continent’s most competitive.
In its statement announcing the appointment, the FIF said the decision reflects its determination to build on the achievements secured by the national team in recent years while continuing to pursue Ivorian football’s ambitions on the African and international stage.
The federation also cited Renard’s experience at the highest level of the game and his established ties to Ivorian football as central to the decision.