Ivory Coast reappoints Herve Renard to defend AFCON title

Ivory Coast has officially reappointed Herve Renard as head coach of the national team, aiming to replicate the success he delivered when leading the country to an Africa Cup of Nations title in 2015. The Ivorian Football Federation announced the decision in a formal statement, confirming that the French tactician has returned to Abidjan to steer the Elephants toward their next major continental trophy. This appointment marks a significant shift in strategy for the federation, which is looking to capitalize on Renard’s proven track record in African football. He replaces Emerse Fae, whose contract was allowed to expire following the recent World Cup, despite Fae guiding the team to the knockout stages for the first time in four tournament appearances. The decision underscores a clear desire to return to winning ways under a manager who has historically brought stability and silverware to the nations he has coached.

The move comes after a mixed period for both Renard and the Ivorian squad. Renard was previously called upon as an emergency replacement for Tunisia during the World Cup in June, stepping in after a shocking 5-1 defeat to Sweden. However, he struggled to turn the tide for the North African side, overseeing further losses to Japan and the Netherlands where they conceded seven more goals. Tunisia became the only one of the ten African teams at the tournament in North America to fail to reach the round of 32. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast’s campaign under Fae ended in the last 32 with an elimination by Norway. Although that result was a step forward in terms of progression, it was not enough to secure Fae’s future. The federation has now opted for experience and pedigree, betting that Renard’s deep understanding of the African game can elevate the team beyond the early stages of future competitions.

Renard is no stranger to high-pressure environments and continental success. The 57-year-old has managed national teams including Angola, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Zambia, with whom he won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012. His tenure with Saudi Arabia concluded just before the 2026 World Cup, despite his role in helping them qualify for the prestigious event. He also served as the coach for the France women’s national team during the Paris Olympic Games two years ago. His return to Ivory Coast is viewed as a major coup for the federation, which hopes to harness his tactical acumen and motivational skills. The goal is clear: to secure a third Africa Cup of Nations title next year when the tournament is jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. This ambition places immediate pressure on Renard to deliver results, as he seeks to add another chapter to his already illustrious coaching career.

The work begins immediately for Renard and his new charges. Ivory Coast starts their qualifying campaign next month with a critical home match against Ghana, a neighbor and fellow World Cup participant. This fixture sets the tone for their Group C journey, which includes a subsequent match against Somalia just four days later. These early qualifiers are crucial for building momentum and establishing dominance in the group stage. For Renard, it is a chance to reconnect with a squad he knows well and to implement his systems ahead of the main tournament. For the fans, it offers a renewed sense of hope and excitement. The expectation is high, but so is the confidence in Renard’s ability to deliver. As the team prepares for these upcoming challenges, all eyes will be on whether this reunion can reignite the magic of 2015 and propel Ivory Coast back to the top of African football.