The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has officially announced the reappointment of French coach Hervé Renard as head coach of the Côte d'Ivoire national team. Renard, who previously led the Elephants to victory at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), returns to the role after a period away from the national team setup.
Renard's appointment comes after Côte d'Ivoire's early exit from the 2025 AFCON, where the team failed to progress beyond the group stage. The federation expressed confidence in Renard's ability to rebuild the squad and restore the team's competitive edge on the continental stage.
Renard, known for his tactical acumen and motivational skills, has had successful stints with several national teams, including Zambia and Morocco, in addition to his previous tenure with Côte d'Ivoire. His return has been met with optimism among fans and analysts, who hope he can replicate the success of 2015.
The 58-year-old coach is expected to begin his new role immediately, with the team's next major challenge being the qualifying matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The federation has not disclosed the length of the contract, but reports suggest it runs through the 2026 World Cup.
