Ivory Coast World Cup 2026

Ivory Coast are one of Africa's most gifted footballing nations, producing generation after generation of world-class players for Europe's biggest clubs. Les Éléphants won the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil in dramatic fashion, somehow lifting the trophy after being on the brink of a group-stage exit — a fairytale comeback that underscored their resilience and quality. Their squad brims with pace, power and technical ability, with several players starring in the Premier League and beyond. When their key men fire, Ivory Coast are capable of competing with anyone, and they arrive in 2026 as one of Africa's genuine dark horses.

Ivory Coast topped CAF qualifying Group F to clinch their place in October 2025, riding the momentum of their 2024 AFCON triumph. Drawn into Group E with Germany, Ecuador and Curaçao, they face a tough but open group where their attacking quality gives them a real shot at the knockout rounds.

Emerse Faé favours a balanced 4-3-3 built on pace and power. Simon Adingra and Amad Diallo supply electric wide attacking, Evan Ndicka anchors the defence, and the midfield blends physicality with creativity. Direct, athletic and dangerous in transition, Les Éléphants can hurt any defence on their day.

Ivory Coast have appeared at three World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014), eliminated at the group stage on each occasion despite often being drawn in brutal groups. The 2006 squad, featuring Didier Drogba and the celebrated golden generation, was unluckily grouped with both Argentina and the Netherlands. Their World Cup story has been one of unfulfilled potential at the tournament level — something this generation aims to change.

Ivory Coast's 2024 AFCON victory on home soil was one of the great comeback stories — they sacked their manager during the group stage, barely survived, then fought through the knockout rounds to lift the trophy in front of their own delirious fans.