Emerse Fae departs Cote d’Ivoire after trophy-winning spell

The Cote d’Ivoire Football Federation has confirmed that Emerse Fae will leave his role as head coach after deciding not to renew his contract, which officially expired on 31 July 2026.

The 42-year-old’s departure brings an end to a highly successful period in charge of the Elephants, during which he led the national team to the Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil and secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

In a statement issued on Friday, the federation said Fae’s contract would not be extended and offered its “deep gratitude” for his “commitment, professionalism and service to the national team throughout his time in charge”.

The federation added: “We commend his contribution to the development of the national team and the results achieved under his leadership, which will remain an important part of the history of modern Ivorian football.”

Its executive committee also sent Fae its warmest congratulations and wished him “continued good fortune and success in his professional career”.

The federation said it would announce decisions regarding the appointment of a new head coach and the composition of his technical staff in due course.

Fae, who was born in the French city of Nantes, leaves after overseeing 36 matches. His record included 25 wins, four draws and seven defeats.

His most significant achievement came at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, when he guided Cote d’Ivoire to victory in front of their home supporters. The triumph restored the Elephants to prominence in African football and represented the defining success of his tenure.

Cote d’Ivoire also booked their place at the 2026 World Cup under Fae. It will be the country’s first appearance at the tournament since the 2014 edition.

Their qualifying campaign was flawless defensively, with the team completing the process without conceding a single goal. That achievement secured a return to the global stage and added another major accomplishment to Fae’s brief but successful spell as national-team manager.

Fae’s exit had been expected once his contract reached its conclusion. The federation will now begin the search for a successor capable of building on the progress made during his time in charge.

His period at the helm followed a remarkable rise in responsibility and expectation, but the record of results ensured that he leaves a lasting mark. Across his 36 games, Cote d’Ivoire won the majority of their matches, while the Africa Cup of Nations triumph and 2026 World Cup qualification established the main landmarks of his tenure.

The next appointment will therefore inherit a side that has recently enjoyed both continental success and a return to World Cup football, while the federation prepares to determine the coaching structure that will lead the Elephants into their next phase.