Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup — Squad, Fixtures & Tickets

About Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire have qualified for three World Cups — 2006, 2010, and 2014 — without ever advancing beyond the group stage, a painful record given the talent those squads contained. Didier Drogba led all three campaigns, and the 2006 draw placed them in the so-called 'Group of Death' alongside Argentina, the Netherlands, and Serbia. Their greatest continental honour came at AFCON 1992 and again in 2015 and 2024, the latest triumph on home soil renewing belief that a deep World Cup run is overdue.

Road to the final

Côte d'Ivoire are out of the World Cup

Côte d'Ivoire were knocked out in the Round of 32, losing 1–2 to Norway.

Players to watch

Franck Kessié

Midfielder

Seko Fofana

Midfielder

Simon Adingra

Forward

How they play

Faé typically deploys a 4-3-3, with Ibrahim Sangaré's physicality anchoring the midfield base at Nottingham Forest and Seko Fofana operating as the progressive eight. Ousmane Diomande and Evan Ndicka form a left-sided centre-back pairing capable of stepping out to press. Adingra and Amad Diallo stretch defences wide, allowing Kessié to arrive late into the box from deep.

Players to watch

The engine of this Ivorian side runs through Franck Kessié, whose box-to-box power and late runs into the area have defined him since his AC Milan peak. Seko Fofana brings a more measured, progressive quality from Porto, dictating tempo with his range of passing. Watch Simon Adingra, the AS Monaco winger whose direct dribbling and willingness to cut inside make him the team's most unpredictable attacking threat.

Strengths

Ousmane Diomande at Sporting CP has established himself as one of Africa's best young centre-backs, commanding in the air and composed in possession. Sangaré's engine and Kessié's physicality give the midfield genuine Premier League and Saudi Pro League-tested durability. Adingra's Ligue 1 form at Monaco provides consistent end-product on the left.

Weaknesses

The forward line beyond Adingra carries uncertainty — Nicolas Pépé has struggled for consistent club form since leaving Arsenal, and there is no established centre-forward with proven top-level goalscoring pedigree in this squad. Jean Michaël Seri at NK Maribor represents a significant drop in club level for a potential midfield option.

The lines

Attack

Simon Adingra is the standout, with Amad Diallo offering Manchester United-tested directness on the opposite flank. Elye Wahi at Nice and Ange-Yoan Bonny at Internazionale compete for a central striking role, both young and still proving themselves at the highest level.

Midfield

Sangaré provides the defensive screen from his Nottingham Forest role, while Kessié and Fofana operate as the more dynamic pair. Kessié brings goalscoring threat from deep; Fofana at Porto offers the cleaner distribution. Parfait Guiagon and Christ Inao Oulaï offer depth but limited top-flight pedigree.

Defence

Ousmane Diomande is the defensive cornerstone, partnered most likely by Evan Ndicka of AS Roma. Odilon Kossounou at Atalanta adds Serie A experience. Wilfried Singo at Galatasaray provides attacking intent at right back, though his defensive positioning can be exposed on the counter.

Goalkeeper

Yahia Fofana at Rizespor is the expected starter, though Alban Lafont at Panathinaikos offers a more technically polished alternative. The position is not settled, and neither goalkeeper plays at a club competing in a top-five European league, which represents a genuine concern.