Emerse Faé, recently dismissed as the head coach of the Ivory Coast national team, has voiced his surprise and disappointment over the decision. He stated he received no clear explanation for his firing, despite actively planning for the 2030 World Cup with the federation. Faé led the team to victory at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) on home soil, a triumph following a challenging start to the tournament. He regrets not having the opportunity to continue developing the team, which he believes has significant potential for future success, including beyond the 2026 World Cup. Despite initial struggles, Faé felt his work with the "Elephants" was laying the foundation for continued growth and ambitious goals. The Ivorian Football Federation now faces the task of finding a replacement to build upon the momentum achieved under Faé’s leadership.