Ivory Coast will have to do without Nicolas Pepe for their first gathering since the return of Hervé Renard. Nicolas Pepe scored for Villarreal last weekend, but he is not expected to be called up for Ivory Coast's international gathering in September-October.
What's happening?
There has been no discussion between Nicolas Pepe and Hervé Renard since the latter's return to the helm of the Ivorian national team.
Why is this a problem?
This is a new blow for the former Lille player, who had already been excluded in December last year on the eve of the 2025 CAN after his joke at the expense of the host country, Morocco. In an interview with French-Algerian influencer Just Riadh, Nicolas Pepe had mocked the Atlas Lions for their modest trophy cabinet and their last title dating back to 1976.
What's next?
Ivory Coast, currently 2nd in the 2026 World Cup standings, 6 pts, 2W-0D-1L, will have to do without Nicolas Pepe for their next matches. Nicolas Pepe had scored the only goal in the win against Scotland before providing an assist against France during the 2026 World Cup.
