Since the winter of 2024, Emerse Faé has successfully coached the Ivorian national team. Despite their historic qualification for the 16th round of the 2026 World Cup, he was not renewed by the Côte d'Ivoire Football Federation (FIF). This decision surprised the 42-year-old coach who did not receive any explanations.
The FIF must now find a successor to prepare for the CAN 2027 qualifiers. Several profiles are under consideration, including Hervé Renard, the obvious choice.
At 57 years old, the French coach led Ivory Coast to victory at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and could return as head coach. According to several local media outlets, the name of Hervé Renard would be at the top of President Idriss Diallo's list.
In case Renard refuses, Kolo Touré is a natural option. The former Ivorian international (200 caps) who joined Manchester City after being Wigan manager in 2022, is free since this summer.
While his experience at the highest level is limited, he also lacks African experience. However, his appointment could inspire the Côte d'Ivoire football authorities.
Didier Deschamps, the impossible dream, is another name circulating. The recently retired France coach has unparalleled experience on the current market and would make a bombshell in Ivorian football if he accepts.
But Didier Deschamps' salary demands and those of his staff seem out of reach for Côte d'Ivoire. His appointment would also be a bet on an unexperienced African coach, despite Guy Stéphan's experience as his assistant who was Senegal's manager between 2003 and 2005.
