French tactician Herve Renard has been appointed head coach of Ivory Coast to succeed Emerse Fae, the Ivorian national football team announced August 4, 2026 on its social media accounts. Photo: AFP
The federation confirmed the appointment in an official statement, saying it reflects a determination to build on the team's recent achievements while pursuing Ivorian football's ambitions on the African and international stage.
"The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) informs the family of Ivorian football, its Member Associations, its institutional and commercial partners, and the general public that Mr Herve Jean-Marie Roger Renard has been appointed as Head Coach of Côte d'Ivoire's national team," the statement read.
"This appointment reflects the Federation's determination to build on the achievements secured by the National Team in recent years, while continuing to pursue the ambitions set for Ivorian football on the African and international stage," it added.
The 57-year-old tactician previously led Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2015, ending a 23-year wait for continental success, making him the first coach in history to win the AFCON with two different nations, having already lifted the trophy with Zambia in 2012.
The Elephants are looking to build on a strong recent run under Emerse Fae, whose contract with the federation was not renewed despite guiding Ivory Coast to the 2024 AFCON title and the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, the country's best showing in tournament history after a 12-year absence from the finals.
The FIF added that Renard's experience at the highest level of the game, his knowledge of African football, and his attachment to Ivorian football will underpin his work with the federation's governing bodies and technical structures as the Elephants target continued success.
Renard is expected in Abidjan in the coming days to formally take up his role, with a press conference to introduce him to the media and public to follow once a date, time and venue are confirmed.
Since leaving Abidjan the first time, Renard has taken charge of Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the France women's team, along with a brief interim spell with Tunisia during the recent World Cup.
Across his career he has also managed Zambia and Angola at international level, and coached clubs including Sochaux, Lille and USM Alger.
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