FIFA Ranking #38 · 4 World Cups · Best: Group Stage
Hosts of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (which they won), Ivory Coast arrive at 2026 with continental momentum, a physically formidable squad, and youngsters like Adingra ready to shine on the global stage. The Elephants are always entertaining — and Group F presents a genuine path to the knockout stage.
Group E opponents
Sébastien Haller
⭐ Star PlayerBorussia Dortmund
Striker
35
Caps
18
Goals
32
Age
The striker who survived cancer to lead Dortmund to the Champions League Final — physically imposing and emotionally the heart of the Ivorian squad.
Wilfried Zaha
Al-Ettifaq
Forward / Winger
40
Caps
13
Goals
34
Age
Famously chose Ivory Coast over England — a dynamic, direct winger whose trickery and pace remain a constant threat.
Franck Kessié
Atalanta
Midfielder
70
Caps
18
Goals
30
Age
Powerful box-to-box midfielder, Barcelona and AC Milan veteran — "the President" dominates physically and contributes with goals.
Simon Adingra
Brighton & Hove Albion
Winger
30
Caps
10
Goals
23
Age
Brighton's pacy winger who is the next great Ivorian attacker — explosive, direct, and one of Africa's brightest young talents.
All times local to venue. Group stage results determine knockout seedings.
Ecuador
FIFA #42
Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia, PA
Germany
FIFA #4
BMO Field
Toronto, Canada
Curaçao
FIFA #88
Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia, PA
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4
Appearances
0
Titles
#38
FIFA Rank
Group Stage
Best Result
Ivory Coast's golden generation of Drogba and Yaya Touré qualified for three consecutive World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014) but drew "the group of death" each time, failing to advance. The AFCON 2023 title on home soil under Faé has refreshed a new generation's belief that the time for a World Cup breakthrough has arrived.
Formation
Wide attacking triangle, pressing high up the pitch
Head Coach
Emerse Faé
Ivorian · 4-3-3
Emerse Faé leads Ivory Coast into the 2026 World Cup with a 4-3-3 system built around the squad's strengths.
The three teams Ivory Coast must face in the group stage.
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