Emerse Fae has left his position as head coach of the Ivory Coast national team after the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) confirmed that his contract expired on 31 July 2026 and would not be renewed.
Fae departs after leading the Elephants through one of the most significant periods in recent Ivorian football history, including an Africa Cup of Nations triumph on home soil and qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His rise to the national-team job began during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. Fae was working as an assistant when he was promoted to interim manager after Jean-Louis Gasset was dismissed during the group stage.
Ivory Coast had faced a difficult campaign, but Fae oversaw a remarkable recovery. Under his direction, the hosts progressed through the competition and eventually secured their third AFCON title.
The Elephants completed their run by beating Nigeria 2-1 in the final, producing one of the most dramatic comeback stories in the tournament’s history. Fae’s success led to his appointment as the team’s permanent head coach soon afterwards.
He then continued to make progress with the national side by guiding Ivory Coast to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
At the tournament, the Elephants reached the knockout stage for the first time. Their campaign ultimately ended in the last 32, where they were defeated by Norway.
The FIF confirmed Fae’s departure in a statement, while thanking him for his commitment and achievements during his time in charge. The federation described his tenure as an important chapter in the history of Ivorian football.
It also praised the development made by the national team under Fae and recognised the lasting influence of his work with the Elephants.
Fae leaves the role having overseen a period that included a major continental trophy and a return to progress on the world stage. His appointment had followed an unexpected change in direction during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, when he was asked to take charge after Gasset’s dismissal.
The federation said it would announce Fae’s successor in due course as Ivory Coast begins preparing for its next competitive cycle.
No replacement has yet been named, with the FIF expected to provide further details at a later date.
