Cote d’Ivoire team profile – FIFA World Cup 2026
In the build-up to FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA, Canada and Mexico, we shine a spotlight on Cote d’Ivoire.
FIFA World Ranking: 34
Confederation: CAF
Who is Cote d’Ivoire’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Emerse Fae is the head coach of the Cote d’Ivoire for FIFA World Cup 2026. Mid-way through their home CAF Africa Cup of Nations campaign in early 2024, he took charge when it appeared as though the Ivorians would be going out in the group stages but Les Elephants instead managed to squeeze through and even go on to win the tournament.
Who is Cote d’Ivoire’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Cote d’Ivoire’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026 is former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, who was installed as captain of the Ivorians just before the start of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and he was instrumental in their continental success.
How many times have Cote d’Ivoire participated in a FIFA World Cup before 2026?
3 – 2006, 2010, 2014
What is Cote d’Ivoire’s best performance at a FIFA World Cup?
Group Stage – 2006, 2010, 2014
How did Cote d’Ivoire qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Drawn into Group F of CAF qualification for FIFA World Cup 2026, Cote d’Ivoire were pushed hard by a strong Gabon side, only finishing a point ahead of the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang-captained Gabonese.
Cote d’Ivoire remained unbeaten in their ten qualifying matches and, quite remarkably, kept ten successive clean sheets to eventually hold off Gabon.
They wrapped up qualification on October 14, 2026 with a 3-0 win over Kenya in Abidjan back in October in a game in which Kessie got on the scoresheet before strikes from Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo.
One area of concern for the Ivorians would be that 16 of the 25 goals that they scored in qualification came against the Seychelles – perhaps showing limitations against slightly stronger sides.
Who are Cote d’Ivoire’s star players?
Franck Kessie (Al Ahli) is now a two-time AFC Champions League winner with the Saudi Arabian giants and he will again be a key man alongside Jean Michael Seri (Maribor) and Ibrahim Sangare (Nottingham Forest).
Fae has the option of going with the more proactive 4-3-3 shape to get the best out of a fairly deep collection of attackers, such as highly-rated young star Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig) and Amad Diallo (Man Utd)
The striking berth is very much up for grabs and two players fighting for the spot have recently changed their international allegiance from France to the Cote d’Ivoire in Elye Wahi (Nice) and Ange-Yoan Bonny (Inter Milan).
Who is in Cote d’Ivoire’s group at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Germany
Curacao
Cote d’Ivoire
Ecuador
Cote d'Ivoire’s Group E fixtures are as follows:
Cote d’Ivoire v Ecuador: Sunday June 14, 2026 – 7:00pm ET, 12:00am UK (Monday)
Germany v Cote d’Ivoire: Saturday June 20, 2026 - 4:00pm ET, 9:00pm UK
Curacao v Cote d’Ivoire: Thursday June 25, 2026 – 9:00pm ET, 4:00pm UK
All kick-off dates are based on a local kick-off time
Where is Cote d’Ivoire’s base camp at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Philadelphia Union Stadium, Chester, Pennsylvania
Expert prediction for Cote d’Ivoire’s chances at FIFA World Cup 2026
Cote d’Ivoire are back at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in over a decade and they do appear to have quite a well-balanced and exciting squad to attack the tournament with.
Their big issue will be being drawn into what is a very tough group alongside four-time world champions Germany and many people’s dark horses Ecuador, who finished second in CONMEBOL qualification.
However, with third place likely enough to get through with a big win, the Ivorians will fancy themselves to put Dick Advocaat’s Curacao to the sword in their final group game should that be required – especially with the firepower that they have.
It may well be more than feasible that they get themselves through Group E, most likely as one of those best third-place finishers but any further than that will be difficult for a side still inexperienced at the global level.
What round will Cote d’Ivoire reach at FIFA World Cup 2026? Round of 32
