Hervé Renard has been reappointed as head coach of the Ivory Coast national football team, marking his return to the role he held from 2015 to 2016. The French tactician, who led the Elephants to their second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 2015, replaces Emerse Faé, who was dismissed following a string of poor results.
The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) confirmed the appointment on August 5, 2026, after weeks of speculation. Renard, 57, previously coached the national team between 2015 and 2016, and also had successful stints with Zambia (2012 AFCON winner) and Morocco (reaching the 2022 World Cup semi-finals).
Renard's immediate task will be to revive the team's fortunes in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Ivory Coast currently sits third in their qualifying group, with matches against Chad and Zambia scheduled for September. The Elephants have struggled since their triumph at the 2023 AFCON on home soil, failing to advance past the group stage at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
In his first press conference, Renard expressed his delight at returning: "I am very happy to be back. This team has immense potential, and we will work hard to qualify for the World Cup and defend our continental crown." He is expected to name his first squad later this month.
