Ivory Coast can also throw a spanner in the works in Group E, bringing stars tested in Europe to the quadrennial showpiece.
From former AC Milan midfielder Frank Kessie to Manchester United’s fleet-footed winger Amad Diallo, the Elephants can spring a surprise with their quick counters – as they did in the victorious 2023 African Cup of Nations – while Europa League-winning defender Evan Ndicka can exploit his aerial advantage through set pieces.
Ivory Coast boasts some of Africa’s brightest talents, including RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Guela Doue, the older brother of Paris Saint-Germain star Desire. The team has already upped its stakes with a win over France – one of the favorites to win the World Cup – in the warm-up, and will look to continue the same form in the quadrennial tournament.
2026 World Championship – Full coverage
The team’s biggest weakness will be the lack of an important leader like Didier Drogba, who guided the team to three consecutive World Cups. However, with an expanded tournament featuring 48 teams and eight third-placed teams qualifying for the knockouts, the Elephants will hope to progress past the group stage for the first time.
Player to watch out for: Amad Diallo
The 23-year-old Ivorian’s greatest talent is finding spots in small pockets in the final third. As a result, he scored just twice for his club, but assisted double and finished third in the Premier League. Diallo, along with Evann Guessand on the wings, can create a powerful attacking avenue, with the latter coming in after winning both the Europa and Conference Leagues.
Manager: Fae Emerged
Fae inspired the Ivory Coast team for the World Cup again after twelve years, and of course did not let his departments go down without putting up a fight. He played in the 2006 edition of the tournament, Ivory Coast’s first ever World Cup appearance, and has proven his capabilities as a manager at the African Cup of Nations.
Emerse Fae will try to inspire its wards with its playing experience during the 2006 edition. | Photo credit: REUTERS
Emerse Fae will try to inspire its wards with its playing experience during the 2006 edition. | Photo credit: REUTERS
His boys took charge as full-time coach midway through the AFCON 2023 tournament, beating Mali, Senegal and DR Congo before beating Nigeria to take the title. And as the hunt for the next Drogba continues, the Chelsea legend’s former national teammate will be hoping he can write a new historic chapter for the Elephants at the World Cup.
Group E Previews:
Germany – READ
Ecuador – READ
Curacao – READ
Predicted XI
Yahia fly; Ghislain Konan, Evan Ndicka, Odilon Kossounou, Guela Doué; Franck Kessie, Christus Inao Oulai, Ibrahim Sangare; Yan Diamond, Elye Wahi, Amad Diallo.
TEAM
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Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana, Mohamed Koné, Alban Lafont
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Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou, Clement Akpa, Ousmane Diamond, Guela Doué, Ghislain Konan, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka, Wilfried Singo
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Midfielders: Seko Fofana, Parfait Guiagon, Christ Inao Oulaï, Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, Jean-Mickaël Seri
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Forwards: Simon Adingra, Ange-Yoan Bonny, Amad Diallo, Oumar Diakité, Yan Diomandé, Evann Guessand, Nicolas Pépe, Bazoumana Touré, Elye Wahi
Statistics of the Football World Cup in Ivory Coast
FIFA ranking: 33
Appearance: 3
Best finish: group stage
Matches: 9
Win: 3
Pulls: 1
Losses: 5
Goals for: 13
Goals against: 14
Highest World Cup scorer in selection: Franck Kessié (14 goals)
Published on June 7, 2026
