Cote d’Ivoire, recently crowned African champions, are aiming to return to the FIFA World Cup after a decade-long absence. The Elephants, as the three-time African champions are affectionately known, have previously participated in three World Cups: Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, and Brazil 2014, but were eliminated in the group stages each time.
Buoyed by their recent success in lifting the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on home soil, the Ivorian team is full of confidence as they resume their FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign this week.
Leading Group F with two initial wins over Seychelles and The Gambia, the Elephants will face Gabon in Korhogo on Friday, June 7, and Kenya in Lilongwe, Malawi, on Tuesday, June 11.
The Ivorian squad, now under the leadership of Ivorian legend Emerse Fae, has shown remarkable improvement. Fae, who turned the team’s fortunes around during the AFCON, guided them to a strong start in the qualifiers last year.
With the FIFA World Cup expanded to 48 nations, Africa now has nine guaranteed spots plus a playoff opportunity, increasing the chances for the reigning African champions to make a robust return to the global stage.
Key players such as Simon Adingra, Sébastian Haller, and Seko Fofana will be crucial in maintaining their form as the team aims for a successful qualification campaign.
