This article is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration among leading media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified. Leading up to the tournament starting on June 11, previews are being published daily from three countries.
Team Overview
Côte d’Ivoire makes its return to the global football stage after a notable absence since the successful years of the early 2010s. While they may lack the star-studded lineup of the past, the current squad features several familiar names from Europe’s top leagues. The reigning champions of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations typically adopt a 4-3-3 formation, though there are uncertainties regarding the pivotal holding midfield role. Jean Michaël Seri, a 34-year-old veteran, has struggled to regain his form after an ankle injury sidelined him for a year. Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangaré is anticipated to assume this crucial position.
Under the guidance of coach Emerse Faé, the team emphasizes defensive strength while capitalizing on the unique talents of their wingers during counterattacks. Remarkably, Les Éléphants kept a clean sheet throughout their 10 qualifying matches. The defense is spearheaded by Roma’s Evan N’Dicka, who is supported by a rotating cast of partners, including Odilon Kossounou from Atalanta and Emmanuel Agbadou from Besiktas. In the midfield, Franck Kessié, a former player for Barcelona and Milan, continues to lead as captain. The attacking lineup boasts talents such as Nicolas Pépé, Amad Diallo, and Yan Diomandé, with Evann Guessand potentially stepping up to fill the void left by the absence of a Didier Drogba-style striker.
After missing out on the last two World Cups in 2018 and 2022, Côte d’Ivoire aims to make a significant impact this time around. Yacine Idriss Diallo, the president of their football federation, has set high expectations, stating, “The fixed objective is to play at least six games, which is the quarter-finals,” He hopes to move past the disappointment experienced during the last Africa Cup of Nations, where they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Egypt. Recent friendly victories, including a 1-0 win against Scotland and a 4-0 triumph over South Korea, have offered encouraging signs.
Coaching Strategy
“I’m not going to the United States for a holiday,” Emerse Faé declared. “I’m a competitor and my objective is to go as far as possible. Why not win it?” Faé, who has been part of the coaching staff since 2022, initially served as an assistant to Jean-Louis Gasset. Following Gasset’s dismissal during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, Faé took charge and successfully led the team to their third continental title. This marks the 42-year-old’s first role as head coach after previously managing youth teams in France. Notably, he also participated in Côte d’Ivoire’s inaugural World Cup appearance in 2006.
Key Player
Nicolas Pépé is set to take center stage at the World Cup, arriving in peak condition to guide Côte d’Ivoire. The former Arsenal winger garnered a nomination for the player of the season in La Liga following a stellar campaign with Villarreal, where he recorded eight goals and eight assists. Known for his ability to cut in from the right wing, Pépé can also operate effectively as a second striker. His exceptional dribbling skills are complemented by a willingness to shoot from distance. After missing the Africa Cup of Nations due to personal reasons, this tournament represents his first—and likely last—World Cup appearance, having earned his first cap a decade ago. “I’m 30 now and I don’t see myself staying with the national team until 34 to play at the next World Cup,” he remarked.
Rising Star
Christ Inao embodies both the present and future for the Ivorian team. At just 19, he has emerged as a dynamic midfielder, enjoying a breakout season with Trabzonspor in Turkey. After making his national team debut in November, Inao secured a starting position during the Africa Cup of Nations. Following impressive performances in the Super Lig and a Turkish Cup victory, Trabzonspor is optimistic about profiting from a potential sale of Inao. His standout displays this summer could further increase his market value.
Unsung Hero
Franck Kessié has been a reliable presence on the international scene since 2014, earning his first cap shortly after Côte d’Ivoire’s last World Cup appearance in Brazil. Now at 29, he serves as captain yet often remains underappreciated. His role as a box-to-box midfielder brings essential balance to the team, as he consistently undertakes vital defensive duties. After departing Barcelona for Al-Ahli in 2023, Kessié has claimed consecutive AFC Champions League titles, being named the tournament’s best player last season. A proven winner, Kessié also holds league titles from Serie A and La Liga.
Projected Starting Lineup
Fan Expectations
Due to various administrative hurdles, few fans are expected to travel to North America for the tournament. The responsibility of creating an electric atmosphere will fall on the Ivorian diaspora already present in the United States, although their group match against Germany will occur in Toronto, while the other two take place in Philadelphia, the team’s training base. Expect to see vibrant colors, as the Ivorian flag closely resembles Ireland’s, and the team’s kit features a bright orange reminiscent of the Netherlands. Supporters are known for their joyful songs, dances, and a spirit of humor.
Political Context
Excitement abounds in Côte d’Ivoire as the nation returns to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years. However, there has been no commentary from federation officials or players regarding the political climate in host countries, including the United States, or the costs associated with tickets. In May, the Trump administration announced that Côte d’Ivoire fans with valid match tickets would be exempt from the $15,000 visa deposit required for U.S. entry, but this announcement came too late for many who had planned to attend. Côte d’Ivoire was also among the nations affected by the Trump administration’s reductions in USAID, which resulted in new bilateral agreements for public health aid.
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