Hervé Renard has been appointed head coach of Ivory Coast, returning to the role he held when the team won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. The 57-year-old Frenchman replaces Emerse Fae, whose contract was not renewed despite guiding the Ivorians to the World Cup round of 32 — a first for the country — and a 2024 Nations Cup victory.
Renard arrives fresh from an emergency stint with Tunisia at the 2026 World Cup, where he took over after a 5-1 opening defeat to Sweden but could not prevent further losses to Japan and the Netherlands. Tunisia were the only African side among 10 at the tournament to fail to advance. His contract with Saudi Arabia ended in April despite securing their World Cup qualification.
Renard, who also won the Nations Cup with Zambia in 2012, will target a third continental title when the tournament is co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda next year. Ivory Coast begin qualifying next month against Ghana.