Faé steps down as Ivory Coast coach after historic AFCON triumph

Emerse Faé will not continue as Ivory Coast head coach, with L’Equipe reporting that the 40‑year‑old has declined to renew his contract. The decision leaves the Elephants searching for a new manager despite having enjoyed a successful spell under his leadership. Faé guided Ivory Coast to the round of sixteen at the 2026 World Cup, where they fell 2‑1 to Erling Haaland’s Norway, but his side had already achieved a historic milestone by advancing from a difficult group featuring Curaçao, Ecuador and Germany.

His popularity had soared earlier, when he took charge mid‑tournament at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after Jean‑Louis Gasset’s dismissal. As host nation, Ivory Coast completed a remarkable turnaround and won the trophy for the third time in their history, cementing Faé’s status as a national hero. His departure now raises questions about the team’s direction ahead of upcoming competitions and the identity of his successor.