Franck Kessié

All-time FIFA World Cup appearances: 3

All-time FIFA World Cup goals: 1

FIFA World Cup 2026 appearances: 3

FIFA World Cup 2026 goals: 1

International appearances: 107

International goals: 16

International debut: 6 September 2014 vs Sierra Leone, Africa Cup of Nations qualifying 2015

Club: Al Ahli FC (KSA)

*data correct up to the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026

Back at a FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2014, 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations winners Cote d’Ivoire have a strong squad with a strong spine and key to that is former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie. Now of Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, where he has helped Matthias Jaissle’s side win back-to-back AFC Champions League trophies, Kessie will be fundamental to any success that the Ivorians enjoy this summer and, now as captain, he will represent something of a talismanic figure in the middle of the park for Les Elephants.