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World Cup 2026
Ivory Coast returns to the World Cup after 12 years, facing Ecuador, Germany, and Curacao in the group stage.
After a 12-year absence, Ivory Coast has secured a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team topped their qualification group ahead of Gabon to earn a place in the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Manager Emerse Fae's squad is set to face Ecuador, Germany, and Curacao in the group stage. The Elephants are aiming to advance past the group phase for the first time in their history.
However, the team arrives in North America after being dethroned as African champions. The title holders reached the quarter-finals of AFCON 2025 before falling to Egypt.
The number one jersey is a tight contest between Yahia Fofana and Alban Lafont. Caykur Rizespor's Fofana currently holds the edge, impressing in the Turkish Super Lig. Lafont remains a reliable alternative, giving Fae a difficult decision. Charleroi's Mohamed Kone is expected to be the third-choice goalkeeper.
Ivory Coast's defense features several familiar names from top European leagues. Premier League players Emmanuel Agbadou and Willy Boly are expected to be included, alongside Roma's Evan Ndicka, Sporting's Ousmane Diomande, and Guela Doue—the brother of PSG forward Desire Doue.
Experienced defenders Odilon Kossounou and Ghislain Konan should make the cut, while Wilfried Singo is back in contention. Christopher Operi and Armel Zohouri face an uphill battle after being omitted from March's friendlies against South Korea and Scotland.
The midfield boasts considerable talent, including Ibrahim Sangare, Franck Kessie, and Seko Fofana. Nottingham Forest's Sangare is coming off a strong Premier League season, with his performances sparking reported interest from Manchester United.
Kessie's international future faced some questions after AFCON, but he is expected to continue leading the team. Veteran Jean-Michael Seri, whose place was also doubted by supporters, was included in March's friendlies and appears set for the World Cup. Jean-Philippe Gbamin may miss out after being left out of the latest call-up, while Parfait Guiagon and Christ Inao Oula provide additional options.
Amad Diallo is the standout name in attack, coming off a strong season with Manchester United. The forward scored three goals from three starts at AFCON and aims to replicate that form on the world stage.
RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande is another player to watch. The forward has attracted attention in the Bundesliga, with his performances fueling speculation about a major summer transfer. Sebastien Haller has struggled with injury in 2026 but could be included if he proves his fitness. Winger Simon Adingra appears set for a recall after being a surprise omission from the AFCON squad.
Nicolas Pepe is hoping for a call-up but has work to do. The former Arsenal man was initially left out of March's friendlies but received a late call-up after Diomande was ruled out through injury. Youngsters Elye Wahi and Martial Godo are also pushing for spots, with Wahi having obtained his Ivorian passport after switching international allegiance.
Amad Diallo dazzled at AFCON and Ivory Coast will be hoping for more of the same. The 22-year-old has been a key presence for Manchester United this season, with his trickery on the wing and finishing ability making him a dangerous attacking weapon.
Yan Diomande enters the tournament amid talk of a big-money move. Premier League giants Liverpool are among several clubs tipped to pursue him, and a strong performance could see him snapped up before the new domestic campaign begins.
Sebastien Haller may have a point to prove after missing AFCON due to injury. The 31-year-old recovered from cancer treatment to score the winner in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations final but has yet to feature at a World Cup. A tough season marred by injury has seen him struggle for form, but he remains a potent attacking force if fit.
Manager Emerse Fae is expected to stick with Yahia Fofana in goal over Alban Lafont. Ivory Coast typically deploys a four-man backline featuring Guela Doue and Ghislain Konan as full-backs, with Odilon Kossounou partnering Evan Ndicka in central defense.
Ibrahim Sangare should start in midfield alongside captain Franck Kessie and Porto's Seko Fofana. Up front, Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande are expected to operate on the flanks, with Sebastien Haller through the middle.
Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3): Yahia Fofana; Guela Doue, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka, Ghislain Konan; Ibrahim Sangare, Franck Kessie, Seko Fofana; Amad Diallo, Sebastien Haller, Yan Diomande.
