Herve Renard to hold first Cote d’Ivoire press conference

Herve Renard is already preparing to speak publicly after being confirmed as Cote d’Ivoire’s new coach, with the federation setting his first press conference for Thursday.

The appointment brings him back to the Elephants 11 years after his first spell, and the timing signals the start of a new chapter for the national team.

The Frenchman will be introduced at 14:00 in France, which is noon in Cote d’Ivoire, according to the federation’s announcement. That first appearance is expected to give insight into why he returned and how he plans to shape the team ahead of the next major fixtures.

Renard’s first match back is scheduled for the international window between 21 September and 6 October, when Cote d’Ivoire begin their qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. His last match with the Elephants came on 29 March 2015, shortly after their title win in Equatorial Guinea.

Renard had a short stint with Tunisia at the 2026 World Cup.

He will also reconnect with familiar faces Franck Kessie and Ibrahim Sangare, both of whom featured under him before. His next squad list is now one of the most closely watched topics in Ivorian football.