The African nation was looking for a new manager after the departure of Michel Dussuyer earlier this year, with the Frenchman stepping down after the Elephants' failure to reach the quarter-finals at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

Wilmots had been out of work since being dismissed as Belgium coach after UEFA EURO 2016 and previously rejected an offer to become Algeria's number one as he set his sights on club management.

However, he has opted to return to international football as he looks to guide Ivory Coast to the 2018 World Cup.

Cote d'Ivoire tops Group C with four points from two qualifying games, holding a two-point lead over Morocco and Gabon, with Mali in fourth position.

It will play friendlies against Russia and Senegal on 24 and 27 March respectively, but will have to make do without the services of Paris Saint-Germain defender Serge Aurier due to an injury sustained in the 2-1 win over Lyon at the weekend.