Hervé Renard set for emotional reunion as Ivory Coast confirm Saudi Arabia friendly

Ivory Coast will come up against their former manager Hervé Renard in a friendly match against Saudi Arabia, set to take place on 14 November 2025 in Jeddah.

The fixture marks a notable moment for Renard, who famously guided the Elephants to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2015.

A decade on from that triumph, he will now stand on the opposite touchline as Saudi Arabia continue their own preparations for international challenges ahead.

For Ivory Coast, the encounter forms part of a crucial period of development as they gear up for two major tournaments — the 2026 World Cup and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The team has been rebuilding momentum since their recent continental campaign, and this test will allow them to measure progress against a Saudi side widely regarded as being in strong form.

Saudi Arabia, under Renard’s leadership, have grown in confidence and consistency on the pitch.

His coaching profile has increased significantly in the Gulf nation, and home supporters in Jeddah are expected to provide a vibrant atmosphere for what will be a rare meeting between two respected footballing cultures.

This will be the first official match between the two countries, despite both having enjoyed remarkable histories in global and regional tournaments.

The significance of the evening is heightened by Renard’s enduring popularity among Ivorians, many of whom still associate him with one of the nation’s proudest sporting achievements.

The friendly in Jeddah is only the beginning of a demanding international window for Saudi Arabia, as they are also scheduled to face Oman shortly afterwards.

The back-to-back fixtures will offer Renard an opportunity to evaluate squad depth and tactical options before competitive action resumes.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast’s coaching staff will view the contest as a valuable assessment of their team’s readiness for high-stakes competition.

Matches of this calibre are seen as essential in sharpening a group aiming to challenge for titles once more.

Though friendly by definition, the meeting will undoubtedly carry emotion and intrigue.

Renard remains a beloved figure among Ivorian supporters, and his knowledge of the Elephants’ identity adds another layer to the tactical storyline unfolding.

Ivory Coast will step onto the pitch focused on their journey toward upcoming tournaments.

Saudi Arabia will defend home ground under a manager eager to continue building a formidable squad.

And amid it all, a celebrated coach will reunite — however briefly — with a past that shaped his legacy.

The countdown to Jeddah promises a compelling spectacle between two ambitious sides, united by respect but divided by competition once the whistle blows.