The Ivory Coast national team coach Emerse Faé leaves after refusing to extend his contract, which expired officially on July 31, 2026. The Ivorian Football Federation confirmed in an official statement that Faé's contract would not be renewed, expressing their sincere thanks to the coach for 'his commitment, professionalism, and services rendered to the national team throughout his mandate.' The statement adds: 'We salute his contribution to the development of the selection as well as the results obtained under his direction, which remain an important part of modern Ivorian football history.' The executive committee of the Federation presented its warmest congratulations to Faé, wishing him 'a full success in the continuation of his professional career,' specifying that he would announce in due course the decisions related to the nomination of a new coach as well as the composition of his technical staff. ## A legacy marked by numbers and history The child of the French city of Nantes leaves Côte d'Ivoire behind him, leaving a remarkable legacy on the bench. During his mandate, he led the selection in 36 matches, during which he signed 25 victories for only 4 draws and 7 defeats. The greatest achievement of Faé remains having led Ivory Coast to the title at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, at home, a title that brought the Elephants back to the forefront of the continental scene. He also achieved another historic feat by leading the selection to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the first appearance of the country in the final phase of a World Cup since the 2014 edition, at the end of a perfect qualification campaign during which the team's nets did not tremble on any goal. The curtain falls on the era of Emerse Faé, whose departure was expected at the end of his contract, while the Ivorian Football Federation begins the search for a successor capable of continuing the construction of the edifice built until now. ## What's next? The Ivorian Football Federation announced that it would begin the search for a new coach to replace Emerse Faé. The executive committee of the Federation specified that it would announce in due course the decisions related to the nomination of a new coach as well as the composition of his technical staff. ## Why is this important for Ivory Coast? The end of Emerse Faé's adventure with the Elephants is a blow for the Ivorian Football Federation, which must now find a successor capable of continuing the construction of the edifice built until now. Ivory Coast needs a coach capable of leading the team to victory and maintaining the confidence of the supporters. ## What's next? The Ivorian Football Federation announced that it would begin the search for a new coach to replace Emerse Faé. The executive committee of the Federation specified that it would announce in due course the decisions related to the nomination of a new coach as well as the composition of his technical staff.