Côte d’Ivoire have announced their 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Head coach Emerse Fae has revealed his eagerly-awaited party for this summer’s global showpiece, which marks the Elephants’ return to the finals after a 12-year wait.
“We’re not going to the USA just to make up the numbers or go sightseeing,” said Fae. “We’re going with lofty goals and ambitions that live up to the expectations of the Ivorian people. So yes, this is a squad we’ve put together to make a big impact on the American continent.
“We experienced some wonderful moments during the [2023] Africa Cup of Nations, here at home in Côte d’Ivoire, where the entire Ivorian people stood shoulder to shoulder, united, together, and moving in the same direction. And we want it to be exactly the same for this World Cup. We’re making a return to the competition 12 years on, and this return must be spectacular.”
The 42-year-old tactician will be leaning heavily on a team with ample experience in defence and midfield. The squad includes Ghislain Konan, Wilfried Singo, Guela Doue and Evan Ndicka, the linchpin of the Ivorian defence, as well as captain Franck Kessie in midfield.
The main questions concerned the attack. Alongside Amad Diallo, who shone during the last Africa Cup of Nations, will be Yan Diomande, one of the revelations of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season with RB Leipzig. Also earning his way is new first-choice striker, Evann Guessand.
Meanwhile, Ange-Yoan Bonny of Inter Milan looks set to make his debut for the national team, and OGC Nice man Elye Wahi, who was called up in March, will also take part in his first international tournament with the Elephants.
Among the notables on Fae’s reserve list are Martial Godo, who was called up for the first time for the March friendlies and had a goal and assist. He joins Sebastien Haller, whose return was briefly considered.
Côte d’Ivoire’s World Cup squad
Goalkeepers
Yahia Fofana
Mohamed Kone
Alban Lafont
Defenders
Emmanuel Agbadou
Clement Akpa
Ousmane Diomande
Guela Doue
Ghislain Konan
Odilon Kossounou
Wilfried Singo
Evan Ndicka
Midfielders
Seko Fofana
Parfait Guiagon
Christ Inao Oulai
Franck Kessie
Ibrahim Sangare
Jean Michael Seri
Forwards
Simon Adingra
Ange-Yoan Bonny
Amad Diallo
Oumar Diakite
Yan Diomande
Evann Guessand
Nicolas Pepe
Bazoumana Toure
Elye Wahi
Reserves
Christopher Operi
Malick Yalcouye
Martial Godo
Sebastien Haller
Read more on Côte d’Ivoire at the World Cup
All squads are provisional until the final list of 26 players is announced by FIFA, following their submission by participating teams, on 2 June.
