The Ivory Coast national football team head to the WC 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Les Elephants have been drawn in Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador and Curaçao. Ivory Coast, as reigning African champions, possess a talented squad capable of challenging opponents. However, they have never advanced past the group stage in their previous WC appearances, w. The competition kicks off on 11 June across 16 stadiums in three host nations.
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The Road to WC 2026: How Ivory Coast Qualified
Ivory Coast qualified for the WC 2026 through the CAF Group F, finishing in 1st with 26 points from their qualifying campaign (8W-2D-0L). Les Elephants scored 25 goals and conceded 0 during the qualifying phase.
The Ivorians booked their ticket to the showpiece event by dispatching Kenya 3-0 in the final round of matches.
This marks Ivory Coast's 4th WC appearance. The Fédération Ivorienne de Football has guided the squad through a competitive CAF qualifying campaign.
Ivory Coast qualified for their fourth the tournament with a commanding performance in CAF qualifying, riding the momentum of their 2024 Africa Cup of Nations triumph on home soil. Les Elephants were outstanding, scoring 25 goals while keeping numerous clean sheets. The squad combines AFCON-winning experience with top European club quality, particularly in midfield and attack.
For full details on the qualification standings and results, visit the CAF official website.
"This squad has the quality and determination to represent our country with pride at the tournament."
- Emerse Faé
Bet on Ivory Coast at the WC 2026
Ivory Coast's Outright Odds to Win WC 2026
Ivory Coast enter the WC 2026 with outright odds of approximately 80/1 to win the tournament. Ivory Coast, as reigning African champions, possess a talented squad capable of challenging opponents. However, they have never advanced past the group stage in their previous WC appearances, which they will look to change.
Outright winner market
Ivory Coast to Win WC 2026
80/1
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Best Betting Markets and Predictions for Ivory Coast
Explore the full range of Ivory Coast betting markets for the tournament, including group winner, top scorer and match result. Use the Napoleon Sports sportsbook to build your own combinations with BetBuilder across all Ivory Coast group stage matches.
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Boost your returns on Ivory Coast's group matches
As reigning African champions, Ivory Coast carry genuine threat in Group E. Their odds of 80/1 may offer value for dark horse punters. Franck Kessie and Nicolas Pepe bring top-level experience. Consider backing Ivory Coast in the group stage match markets against Ecuador and Curaçao where they should be competitive.
How Far Can Ivory Coast Go? Realistic Expectations
Ivory Coast, as reigning African champions, possess a talented squad capable of challenging opponents. However, they have never advanced past the group stage in their previous WC appearances, which will be a significant hurdle to overcome. Other strong contenders in this tournament include Ghana and Japan.
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Cote d'Ivoire's Squad for WC 2026
Cote d'Ivoire's final 26-man squad was announced by coach Emerse Fae ahead of the tournament. Below is the full squad plus selected profiles on key players.
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Goalkeepers
Lafont
27 - Panathinaikos FC
Reliable goalkeeper in his prime, expected to start every WC 2026 match. Currently at Panathinaikos FC, age 27.
Fofana
25 - Çaykur Rizespor
Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at Çaykur Rizespor, age 25.
Kone
24 - Sporting Charleroi
Reliable goalkeeper in his prime, expected to start every WC 2026 match. Currently at Sporting Charleroi, age 24.
Defenders
Konan
30 - Gil Vicente FC
Defensive leader who has seen it all at international level, expected to organise the back line. Currently at Gil Vicente FC, age 30.
Singo
25 - Galatasaray SK
Solid defender in his peak years, a regular starter for club and country. Currently at Galatasaray SK, age 25.
Diomande
22 - Sporting CP
Rising star up front, blending speed with the confidence to take on the world's best. Currently at Sporting CP, age 22.
Midfielders
Seri
34 - NK Maribor
Senior midfielder bringing tempo and game-management to the squad. Currently at NK Maribor, age 34.
Sangare
28 - Nottingham Forest FC
Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at Nottingham Forest FC, age 28.
Oulai
20 - Trabzonspor
Talented midfielder still rising, with the technical quality to influence games. Currently at Trabzonspor, age 20.
Forwards
Pepe
31 - Villarreal CF
Experienced forward whose finishing instinct remains the squad's main goal threat. Currently at Villarreal CF, age 31.
Diallo
23 - Manchester United FC
Sharp forward in his best years, with the pace and movement to trouble any defence. Currently at Manchester United FC, age 23.
Diomande
19 - RB Leipzig
Rising star up front, blending speed with the confidence to take on the world's best. Currently at RB Leipzig, age 19.
Last 5 Matches: Ivory Coast's Recent Form
| Date | Match | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2026 | Ivory Coast vs. Scotland | 1-0 W | Friendly |
| March 28, 2026 | Ivory Coast vs. Korea Republic | 4-0 W | Friendly |
| January 10, 2026 | Ivory Coast vs. Egypt | 2-3 L | Africa Cup of Nations - Play Offs |
| January 6, 2026 | Ivory Coast vs. Burkina Faso | 3-0 W | Africa Cup of Nations |
| December 31, 2025 | Ivory Coast vs. Gabon | 3-2 W | Africa Cup of Nations Grp. F |
Ivory Coast have won 4, drawn 0 and lost 1 of their last 5 matches heading into the tournament.
Ivory Coast in Group E: Schedule, Opponents and Stadiums
Ivory Coast have been drawn in Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador and Curaçao.
| Match | Date | Stadium | CEST | EEST | BRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador | Sat 14 Jun | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia | 21:00 | 22:00 | 16:00 |
| Ivory Coast vs. Germany | Fri 20 Jun | BMO Field, Toronto | 00:00 | 01:00 | 19:00 |
| Ivory Coast vs. Curaçao | Wed 25 Jun | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia | 21:00 | 22:00 | 16:00 |
Group E sees Ivory Coast face Germany, Ecuador and Curaçao. The opening match against Ecuador in Philadelphia is a genuine opportunity for three points. The match against Germany in Toronto will be their biggest test, but their AFCON-winning pedigree means they will not be intimidated. The final game against Curaçao should be manageable.
Head-to-Head: Ivory Coast vs. Group E Opponents
Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador: These teams have limited head-to-head history. The tournament group stage will provide a fresh chapter in this fixture.
Ivory Coast vs. Germany: These teams have limited head-to-head history. The tournament group stage will provide a fresh chapter in this fixture.
Ivory Coast vs. Curaçao: These teams have limited head-to-head history. The tournament group stage will provide a fresh chapter in this fixture.
Ivory Coast's Head Coach for WC 2026
Emerse Faé (Cote d'Ivoire, born 1984) has been in charge of the Ivory Coast national team since February 2024. Emerse Faé is known for his dynamic and attacking football philosophy, emphasizing ball possession and rapid transitions between defense and attack.
Career highlights include: Won 2001 the tournament U-17 Championship, AFCON Best Coach: 2023, CAF Coach of the Year: 2024, Led Ivory Coast to 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title.
His record as national team coach stands at 12 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses.
Follow Ivory Coast's tournament journey and historical records on the AFCON history tournament archive.
Ivory Coast's Official Kits for WC 2026
Ivory Coast's WC History and Records
Ivory Coast have appeared at 4 World Cups, with their first appearance in 2006. Their best finish is Group stage.
4
WC appearances
Group stage
Best finish
2006
First appearance
Ivory Coast at the 2022 World Cup
Ivory Coast did not qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
For complete historical statistics and squad data, see the Transfermarkt Ivory Coast profile page.
Memorable WC Moments for Ivory Coast
Didier Drogba scored the team's first-ever the tournament goal in the 82nd minute against Argentina in 2006.
Bonaventure Kalou scored an 86th-minute penalty to give Ivory Coast their first-ever the tournament victory against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006.
Read more about other teams at the WC 2026: England and Algeria.
Ivory Coast's the tournament history features three previous appearances. The legendary Didier Drogba scored the team's first-ever the tournament goal in 2006 against Argentina, a moment that symbolised the arrival of Ivorian football on the world stage. The current generation, fresh from their AFCON triumph, are determined to surpass the group stage for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ivory Coast at the tournament
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