Ivory Coast

The opening rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying - and the international friendlies that followed - have left many of the continent's established contenders with plenty of areas to improve.

Africa Cup of Nations qualifying has begun, with incoming head coaches picking up the reins, teams seeking to maintain their World Cup momentum, and the road to Pamoja 2027 finally beginning.

There was something reassuringly familiar about the sight of Herve Renard, crisp formal dress shirt, on the touchline and celebrating an Ivory Coast goal again.

José Mourinho praised Yan Diomande's "incredible potential" but said the winger still has "a lot to learn" after making his first start for Real Madrid in a 4-1 LaLiga win over Rayo Vallecano.

Whether wonderkids taking their first steps in the game, or international players on the brink of another stratum altogether, here are ESPN's predicted 10 African breakout stars for the 26-27 season.

With the World Cup over, who were the best men's soccer wide forwards in the world this past year? Our global vote has you covered in the 10th anniversary edition of the ESPN FC 100.

The Ivory Coast have announced the appointment of Hervé Renard as their new head coach, with the Frenchman returning to the role 11 years after he guided the Elephants to the Africa Cup of Nations title.

The Ivorian Football Federation have confirmed that Emerse Faé will leave his position as head coach upon the expiry of his contract on July 31, bringing to an end his remarkable two-and-a-half-year spell.

With the 2026 World Cup now over, 47 teams have been eliminated, and we're grading each team's run vs. expectations.