French coach Hervé Renard is close to being named the head coach of Ivory Coast following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The West African giants parted ways with Emerse Faé after the team exited the tournament with a painful defeat to Belgium in the knockout stage.

Beyond the defeat, there were internal wranglings among players and the technical team, with Pape Gueye announcing his retirement from the national team until the coaching staff were dismissed.

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With mounting pressure, the Ivory Coast Football Association decided to sack Faé and appoint a new manager to restore calm, despite his role in leading the team to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

A report by French outlet Le Parisien indicates that an agreement has been reached between Renard and the federation for him to take over The Elephants.

It was revealed that the deal will be officially announced soon, with contract details yet to be made public.

Renard’s immediate task will be to guide the team to qualify for the 2027 AFCON and possibly lift the trophy.

SB/JKB

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