Ivory Coast
The Côte d’Ivoire National Soccer Team, known as The Elephants and governed by the Ivorian Football Federation since 1960, proudly competes in FIFA and CAF tournaments. With triumphs in the Africa Cup of Nations and regular World Cup appearances, the team is renowned for its power, speed, and dynamic attacking play. Côte d’Ivoire continues to shine as a major force in African football, inspiring national pride and passion with every match.
Explore the official Ivory Coast National Team squad and get a clear overview of every player selected for the tournament. Discover the key details behind the stars, rising talents, and core squad members who shape the team’s World Cup 2026 campaign.
Obite Evan Ndicka
Defender
Aug 20, 1999
Jean Michaël Seri
Midfielder
Jul 19, 1991
Nicolas Pépé
Midfielder
May 29, 1995
Ghislain N'Clomande Konan
Defender
Dec 27, 1995
Ibrahim Sangaré
Midfielder
Dec 2, 1997
Wilfried Stephane Singo
Defender
Dec 25, 2000
Seko Mohamed Fofana
Midfielder
May 7, 1995
Yahia Fofana
Goalkeeper
Aug 21, 2000
Emmanuel Elysee Djedje Agbadou Badobre
Defender
Jun 17, 1997
Evann Guessand
Attacker
Jul 1, 2001
Amad Diallo Traoré
Attacker
Jul 11, 2002
Guéla Maho Lewis Doué
Defender
Oct 17, 2002
Clément Akpa
Defender
Nov 24, 2001
Parfait Guiagon
Midfielder
Feb 22, 2001
Mohamed Koné
Goalkeeper
Mar 7, 2002
Simon Adingra
Attacker
Jan 1, 2002
Bénie Adama Traoré
Attacker
Nov 30, 2002
Ousmane Diomande
Defender
Dec 4, 2003
Becket Fabrice-Martial Godo
Attacker
Mar 14, 2003
Christ Ravynel Inao Oulaï
Midfielder
Apr 6, 2006
Meet the Ivory Coast National Team coaching staff, who play a vital role in preparing the squad for success on the international stage. Working behind the scenes, they support the team’s tactical development, physical conditioning, match preparation, and overall performance throughout World Cup 2026.
Émerse Faé
Birthday:
Jan 24, 1984
Nationality:
Côte d'Ivoire
Djamel Belmadi
Birthday:
Mar 25, 1976
Nationality:
Algeria
Explore the latest Ivory Coast matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and stay updated on results, key moments, and standout player performances from every game.
Scotland vs Ivory Coast
0 : 1
Mar 31, 2026 • Friendlies
Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
South Korea vs Ivory Coast
0 : 4
Mar 28, 2026 • Friendlies
Stadium MK, Milton Keynes
Egypt vs Ivory Coast
3 : 2
Jan 10, 2026 • Africa Cup of Nations
Stade Adrar, Agadir
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso
3 : 0
Jan 6, 2026 • Africa Cup of Nations
Grand Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
Gabon vs Ivory Coast
2 : 3
Dec 31, 2025 • Africa Cup of Nations
Grand Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
Ivory Coast vs Cameroon
1 : 1
Dec 28, 2025 • Africa Cup of Nations
Grand Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
Ivory Coast vs Mozambique
1 : 0
Dec 24, 2025 • Africa Cup of Nations
Grand Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
Oman vs Ivory Coast
0 : 2
Nov 18, 2025 • Friendlies
Seeb Stadium, Seeb
Saudi Arabia vs Ivory Coast
1 : 0
Nov 14, 2025 • Friendlies
King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah
Ivory Coast vs Kenya
3 : 0
Oct 14, 2025 • World Cup - Qualification Africa
Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, Abidjan
Côte d’Ivoire qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing first in CAF Group F with an unbeaten campaign. The Elephants made an emphatic start by thrashing Seychelles 9–0, then followed it with an away win over Gambia. From there, they stayed in control with important results against Gabon, Burundi, and Gambia, while draws against Kenya and Gabon kept the group race alive. In the final window, Côte d’Ivoire removed any doubt with a 7–0 win over Seychelles and a 3–0 victory over Kenya in Abidjan. They finished on 26 points, stayed unbeaten, and booked their place back at the World Cup.
Played
Qualification matches played
Won
Matches won
Drawn
Matches drawn
Lost
Matches lost
Goals For
Total goals scored
Goals Against
Total goals conceded
Goal Difference
GF minus GA
Points
3 per win, 1 per draw
Road to WC
Match | Date | MatchUp | Stadium | City | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Nov 17, 2023 | Ivory Coast vs Seychelles | Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara | Abidjan | 9:0 |
2 | Nov 20, 2023 | Gambia vs Ivory Coast | Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium | Dar es Salaam | 0:2 |
3 | Jun 7, 2024 | Ivory Coast vs Gabon | Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium | Korhogo | 1:0 |
4 | Jun 11, 2024 | Kenya vs Ivory Coast | Bingu National Stadium | Lilongwe | 0:0 |
5 | Mar 21, 2025 | Burundi vs Ivory Coast | Stade d'Honneur | Meknes | 0:1 |
6 | Mar 24, 2025 | Ivory Coast vs Gambia | Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny | Abidjan | 1:0 |
7 | Sep 5, 2025 | Ivory Coast vs Burundi | Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny | Abidjan | 1:0 |
8 | Sep 9, 2025 | Gabon vs Ivory Coast | Stade de Franceville | Franceville | 0:0 |
9 | Oct 10, 2025 | Seychelles vs Ivory Coast | National Sports Complex Pitch | Saint-Pierre | 0:7 |
10 | Oct 14, 2025 | Ivory Coast vs Kenya | Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara | Abidjan | 3:0 |
Côte d’Ivoire’s World Cup story is defined by powerful generations, dramatic matches, and unforgettable stars. The Elephants made their tournament debut in 2006 and have now qualified four times in total: 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2026. Their first World Cup campaign came in a brutal group with Argentina and the Netherlands, yet it still produced a landmark moment when Didier Drogba scored the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal.
That era gave Côte d’Ivoire some of the finest players in African football, including Drogba, Yaya Touré, Kolo Touré, and Salomon Kalou, whose quality helped the team compete with the world’s strongest sides. One of the most memorable results came in 2014, when the Elephants came from behind to beat Japan 2–1. Even without reaching the knockout rounds, Côte d’Ivoire won respect for its quality, fighting spirit, and vibrant presence at the World Cup.
Côte d’Ivoire have appeared at the FIFA World Cup three times — 2006, 2010, and 2014 — with 2026 set to be their fourth participation. Their qualification for 2026 confirmed a return to the global stage after missing the previous two tournaments.
Côte d’Ivoire’s best World Cup finish is the group stage, reached in all three of their completed appearances so far.
Didier Drogba is Côte d’Ivoire’s top World Cup scorer with 2 goals. He scored once in 2006 and once in 2010.
Didier Zokora holds Côte d’Ivoire’s record for most World Cup matches played, with 9 appearances. His consistency made him one of the defining figures in the team’s World Cup history.
In 2006, Côte d’Ivoire made their World Cup debut, with Didier Drogba scoring the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal. Another major milestone came in 2026, when the Elephants qualified again and returned to the tournament after a 12-year absence.
Simon Adingra
One of the most exciting young attackers emerging for Côte d’Ivoire. His pace, dribbling, and direct style add unpredictability in wide areas. Adingra is becoming a crucial player in both qualifying matches and future tournament plans.
Ibrahim Sangaré
A powerful midfield anchor, Sangaré brings ball-winning intensity, physical control, and tactical discipline that protects the back line. With significant international experience and a strong reputation at club level, he remains one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most important players heading toward 2026.
Franck Kessié
Kessié is a tactically disciplined midfielder who controls tempo and links play. Known for his leadership and consistency with AC Milan and Barcelona, he is one of the most important pieces in Côte d’Ivoire’s midfield for the 2026 World Cup campaign.
Yahia Fofana
A calm, modern goalkeeper and one of Côte d’Ivoire’s key leaders from the back, Fofana is valued for confident handling and steady decision-making under pressure. He rose to prominence with his performances for the national team and was part of the squad that won AFCON 2023.
Ousmane Diomande
A new-generation centre-back with top-level athleticism and calm passing quality, Diomande has quickly become a major defensive figure for Côte d’Ivoire. His height and clean build-up play make him vital in big qualifiers and future tournaments.
Sébastien Haller
Haller is a leading centre-forward whose aerial ability and hold-up play make him central to Côte d’Ivoire’s attacking structure. His remarkable comeback from cancer and his Champions League performances have made him an inspirational figure heading toward 2026.
Yaya Touré
A dominant box-to-box midfielder who starred for Barcelona and Manchester City. Famous for his strength, long-distance runs, and match-controlling presence. He guided Côte d’Ivoire to major tournament success, including the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations title.
Didier Drogba
One of Africa’s most iconic footballers and Côte d’Ivoire’s all-time leader both on and off the pitch. A powerful striker known for decisive goals, Champions League heroics with Chelsea, and inspirational leadership that helped the nation qualify for multiple World Cups.
Kolo Touré
Touré has been a key defensive pillar for more than a decade. Known for consistency and leadership, he played for Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool. His experience anchored Côte d’Ivoire at three FIFA World Cups.
Laurent Pokou
A true historical icon of African football, Pokou remains one of the greatest AFCON scorers ever, producing record-level goal bursts that turned him into a national legend. His achievements helped build Côte d’Ivoire’s early continental prestige and still define the country’s classic football heritage.
Follow Ivory Coast at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and discover where the team will play throughout the tournament. Explore the full match schedule, host cities, and stadiums set to stage some of the competition’s biggest moments. From group-stage fixtures to possible knockout-round drama, find everything you need to experience the action live at football’s biggest event.
Côte d’Ivoire has participated 3 times before 2026 — 2006, 2010, and 2014.
Côte d’Ivoire has never reached a FIFA World Cup final.
Côte d’Ivoire has not advanced past the group stage in their previous World Cup appearances.
Côte d’Ivoire’s best result is the group stage — their top performance to date.
Côte d’Ivoire’s worst result is the group stage, since they have not progressed beyond it at the World Cup so far.
One of Côte d’Ivoire’s most notable rivalries is with Ghana, highlighted by major tournament meetings, including an AFCON final between the two nations.
Côte d’Ivoire qualified by winning their CAF qualifying group, topping CAF Group F to secure a direct World Cup place.
Côte d’Ivoire’s group-stage venues are set for Philadelphia and Toronto. They play Ecuador in Philadelphia on June 14, 2026, then face Germany in Toronto on June 20, 2026, and finish the group against Curaçao in Philadelphia on June 25, 2026.
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