Herve Renard picks Cote d’Ivoire as Africa return takes shape

Herve Renard is set to return to Cote d’Ivoire and succeed Emerse Fae as head coach, ending a short period of speculation over his next international role.

The French coach is available after his temporary spell in charge of Tunisia during the 2026 World Cup and is now poised to resume his career in African football. Several sources, including RMC Sport, have reported that Renard has chosen to take charge of the Elephants for a second time.

Renard, 57, previously led Cote d’Ivoire to their second Africa Cup of Nations title in 2015. Eleven years after that success, he is expected to return to a squad with considerable potential, including Yan Diomande, Amad Diallo and Christ Inao Oulai.

That group will hope to play a prominent role at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup.

The appointment is expected to be officially confirmed on Wednesday, ahead of elections for the presidency of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), which are scheduled for 12 September. Renard’s profile is understood to have attracted broad support, although there has been no information about his salary or the length of his proposed contract.

Renard’s decision also appears to bring an end to interest from several other national teams.

Algeria had considered the former Cote d’Ivoire coach after finally reaching an agreement to part company with Vladimir Petkovic. However, the Fennecs are now expected to favour a Spanish or Portuguese coach as they begin rebuilding following the international retirements of Riyad Mahrez and Aissa Mandi.

Senegal had also appeared to be a potential destination. Renard’s wife is Senegalese and lives in the country, giving the Teranga Lions a natural connection to the Frenchman. Nevertheless, Patrick Vieira quickly emerged as the leading candidate to replace Pape Thiaw, and Renard never appeared to be the primary option.

South Africa, who are seeking a successor to Hugo Broos, and South Korea were also interested in appointing Renard. Both will now have to look elsewhere after missing out on the experienced coach.

Renard’s first spell with Cote d’Ivoire came in 2014 and 2015, when he guided the Elephants to victory at the Africa Cup of Nations. The triumph was the country’s second in the competition and marked the latest major success of a coaching career that has repeatedly taken him into international football.

His return would give Cote d’Ivoire continuity with a coach already familiar with the national set-up, while also placing Renard back in charge of a team entering a period of significant opportunity. The immediate focus will be on preparing the Elephants for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, followed by the longer-term challenge of the 2030 World Cup.