Herve Renard to name first Cote d’Ivoire squad since return

Herve Renard will announce his first Cote d’Ivoire squad since returning as head coach on 16 September, as the former Africa Cup of Nations-winning manager begins his second spell in charge of the Elephants.

The France coach will unveil his selection at 14:00 on Wednesday at the Orange Cote d’Ivoire headquarters. The squad will begin the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with Cote d’Ivoire facing Ghana in their opening match on 24 September in Bouake before taking on Somalia.

The announcement will offer the first indication of how Renard intends to shape the team after the end of Emerse Fae’s tenure. His choices are expected to attract close attention, particularly after the previous coach guided Cote d’Ivoire to victory at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Fae also led the Elephants to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, securing a place in the knockout phase of the competition for the first time in Cote d’Ivoire’s history.

However, that progress was accompanied by questions over the team’s direction. Some of Fae’s decisions during the World Cup were criticised, leaving Renard to decide whether to retain the existing core of the squad or begin a more substantial rebuilding process.

His return carries considerable historical significance. Renard remains closely associated with Cote d’Ivoire’s triumph at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, when he guided the Elephants to their second continental title, ending a 23-year wait for their next major honour.

The circumstances are different 11 years later, however, and his comeback has not generated as much unanimous support as might have been expected. Renard’s past success provides him with credit, but it does not guarantee that his second spell will produce the same results.

He will also have little time to settle back into the role. Ghana’s visit on 24 September will be followed by the meeting with Somalia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, meaning his first decisions will be tested almost immediately.

Before the team plays, Renard’s squad announcement will therefore provide an early and significant clue about the identity he wants his new Cote d’Ivoire side to develop.