2026 World Cup: Emerse Faé makes history for Côte d'Ivoire

Emerse Faé makes history for Côte d'Ivoire

Emerse Faé/@CAF

After leading Côte d'Ivoire to victory on home soil at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Emerse Faé has now secured the Elephants' place in the final stage of the 2026 World Cup for the fourth time in their history, following qualifications in 2006, 2010, and 2014.

Following their emphatic 3-0 victory over Kenya in the final round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Côte d'Ivoire clinched top spot in Group F ahead of Gabon, booking their ticket to the finals.

With this achievement, Emerse Faé becomes the first local coach to guide his country to football's grandest stage. He has fully justified the faith shown in him by Ivorian football officials when he stepped in to replace Jean-Louis Gasset during last year’s AFCON.

Emerse Fae est le premier sélectionneur de nationalité Ivoirienne à qualifier la Côte d’Ivoire pour une coupe du monde 🇨🇮 🐘

— Malick Traoré (@mlktraore) October 14, 2025

For their previous three qualifications, the Ivorian squad was managed by foreign coaches: Henri Michel in 2006, Vahid Halilhodzic in 2010, and Sabri Lamouchi in 2014.

At 41 years old, the tactician has overseen 18 matches at the helm of the national team, boasting an impressive record of 12 wins, 3 draws, and 3 defeats.