This article is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration of leading media organizations from the 48 countries participating. Previews are being published daily as the tournament approaches, commencing on June 11.
The Team’s Ambitions
Côte d’Ivoire makes its return to the World Cup after a significant absence since the early 2010s. While the roster lacks the star power of previous iterations, it features several familiar faces from top European leagues. As the winners of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, they typically adopt a 4-3-3 formation, although uncertainty surrounds who will occupy the crucial holding midfield position. Jean Michaël Seri, the 34-year-old former Fulham and Hull player, has traditionally filled this role, but his performance has waned following a lengthy recovery from an ankle injury. Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangaré is expected to take over the position.
Head coach Emerse Faé emphasizes defensive stability while leveraging the individual talents of his wingers during counterattacks. Les Éléphants demonstrated their defensive prowess by not conceding a single goal during 10 qualifying matches. Their defense, which often shifts to a back three, is anchored by Roma’s Evan N’Dicka, whose partners include Atalanta’s Odilon Kossounou and Besiktas’s Emmanuel Agbadou. Franck Kessié, the captain and former player for Barcelona and Milan, continues to lead the midfield. The attack boasts a diverse array of options, including Nicolas Pépé, Amad Diallo, and Yan Diomandé. In the absence of a prominent figure like Didier Drogba, Evann Guessand may need to shoulder some of the goal-scoring responsibilities.
After missing out on the last two World Cups in 2018 and 2022, Côte d’Ivoire is eager to seize this opportunity. The president of their football federation, Yacine Idriss Diallo, has set ambitious goals, stating, “The fixed objective is to play at least six games, which is the quarter-finals,” He aims to move past a disappointing performance in the recent Afcon, where they exited in the quarter-finals against Egypt. However, victories in friendly matches against Scotland (1-0) and South Korea (4-0) in March have ignited optimism.
Coaching Strategy
“I’m not going to the United States for a holiday,” Emerse Faé remarked confidently. “I’m a competitor and my objective is to go as far as possible. Why not win it?” Faé, a former midfielder, has been part of the coaching staff since 2022, starting as an assistant to Jean-Louis Gasset. Following Gasset’s dismissal during the 2024 Afcon, Faé stepped up and guided the team to their third continental title. At 42 years old, this marks his inaugural role as a head coach after managing youth teams at Nice and Clermont in France. Additionally, he brings World Cup experience from participating in their debut in 2006.
Key Player
Nicolas Pépé arrives at the World Cup in prime condition, ready to lead Côte d’Ivoire’s attack. The former Arsenal winger earned a nomination for the La Liga player of the season award following a stellar campaign with Villarreal, where he scored eight goals and provided eight assists. Pépé thrives when cutting in from the right wing, though he can also function effectively as a second striker. His exceptional dribbling skills are complemented by a willingness to shoot from distance. After missing the Afcon in Morocco for personal reasons, this World Cup may be his first and last, as he reflected, “I’m 30 now and I don’t see myself staying with the national team until 34 to play at the next World Cup,”
Emerging Talent
Christ Inao represents both the present and future of the Ivorian side. The 19-year-old midfielder has made significant strides in senior football with Trabzonspor in Turkey. He earned his first cap in November and quickly established himself in the starting lineup during the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Following impressive performances in the Super Lig and a Turkish Cup victory, Trabzonspor anticipates a profitable return on any potential sale of Inao. His standout displays this summer could further elevate his market value.
Quiet Contributor
Franck Kessié, who debuted internationally in 2014 shortly after Côte d’Ivoire’s last World Cup appearance in Brazil, remains a valuable yet often overlooked member of the squad. At 29, he serves as captain and is pivotal in maintaining the team’s balance, contributing significantly to the midfield’s defensive and offensive transitions. Kessié transferred from Barcelona to Al-Ahli in 2023 and has since secured consecutive AFC Champions League titles, even earning recognition as the tournament’s best player last season. A seasoned winner, he also boasts league titles from Serie A and La Liga.
Projected Starting Lineup
Fan Presence and Support
Travel to North America may be limited for many Ivorian fans due to administrative hurdles facing citizens wishing to enter the United States. Consequently, the existing diaspora in the U.S. will likely be the primary source of support, particularly for their match against Germany, which will take place in Toronto. The other two group matches are scheduled in Philadelphia, where the team will be based. Spectators can anticipate vibrant displays, as the team’s colors closely resemble those of Ireland, while the kit shares similarities with the Netherlands’ bright orange. The support will be characterized by song, dance, and a lively atmosphere.
Political Context
The return of Côte d’Ivoire to the World Cup after 12 years is met with enthusiasm. However, neither the federation nor the players have publicly commented on political matters related to the host nations, including the United States, nor on ticket prices. In May, the Trump administration announced that Ivorian fans holding valid match tickets would be exempt from the $15,000 visa deposit required for U.S. entry, but this came too late for many who had considered attending. Côte d’Ivoire was impacted by cuts to USAID under the Trump administration, which shifted bilateral agreements towards public health aid.
- World Cup 2026: Experts’ Network
- Côte d’Ivoire football team
- World Cup
- World Cup 2026
- features
