Herve Renard returns as Ivory Coast head coach

Renard steps into the role with a reputation for success on the continent. Beyond his 2015 triumph with the Elephants, he famously guided Zambia to an Africa Cup of Nations victory in 2012. His career path remains uniquely global, spanning stints with Angola, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia, alongside a short-term emergency assignment with Tunisia during the June World Cup.

His predecessor, Emerse Fae, departs after a campaign that saw the Ivorians reach the knockout stages for the first time in four tournament appearances. Despite that historic progress, the federation opted against a contract renewal following the team's elimination by Norway in the Round of 32.