Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire (CIV) have been drawn in Group E for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Germany, Ecuador, Curaçao. Head coach Emerse Faé leads the squad. Ranked #39 by FIFA, the team have made 3 World Cup appearance(s). Their opening match is on June 30 against Norway at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX.
Emerse Faé
CIEmerse Faé (born 24 January 1984) is a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder and is currently the manager of the Ivory Coast national team. Born in France, he played for France national teams at youth level and for the Ivory Coast at senior international level. He is the first manager in history to win a tournament, while being appointed during the tournament.
- 2024 AFCON Champion (as interim then permanent coach)
- Led Cote d'Ivoire to 2026 World Cup qualification
SQUAD
26
GK Angers goalkeeper and Côte d'Ivoire's backup keeper. Currently plying his trade at Caykur Rizespor, a commanding presence between the posts, Yahia Fofana is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for Côte d'Ivoire. Has earned 5 international caps, an emerging talent on the international stage. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
GK Currently plying his trade at Panathinaikos, a commanding presence between the posts, Alban Lafont is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for Côte d'Ivoire. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances. Currently plying his trade at Panathinaikos, a commanding presence between the posts, Alban Lafont is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for Côte d'Ivoire. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
GK Currently plying his trade at Sporting Charleroi, a commanding presence between the posts, Mohamed Kone is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for Côte d'Ivoire. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances. Currently plying his trade at Sporting Charleroi, a commanding presence between the posts, Mohamed Kone is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for Côte d'Ivoire. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
DF Atalanta centre-back and an emerging leader in Côte d'Ivoire's defence. Currently plying his trade at Atalanta, a dependable defender, Odilon Kossounou combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Côte d'Ivoire's backline. Has earned 25 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
DF Roma centre-back and a key figure in Côte d'Ivoire's defence. Currently plying his trade at Roma, a dependable defender, Evan Ndicka combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Côte d'Ivoire's backline. Has earned 20 international caps. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
DF Reims left-back and an Ivorian international. Currently plying his trade at Gil Vicente, a dependable defender, Ghislain Konan combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Côte d'Ivoire's backline. Has earned 20 international caps. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
DF Currently plying his trade at Auxerre, a dependable defender, Clement Akpa combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Côte d'Ivoire's backline. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances. Currently plying his trade at Auxerre, a dependable defender, Clement Akpa combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Côte d'Ivoire's backline. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
DF Currently plying his trade at Besiktas, a dependable defender, Emmanuel Agbadou combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Côte d'Ivoire's backline. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances. Currently plying his trade at Besiktas, a dependable defender, Emmanuel Agbadou combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Côte d'Ivoire's backline. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
DF Currently plying his trade at Strasbourg, a dependable defender, Guela Doue combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Côte d'Ivoire's backline. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances. Currently plying his trade at Strasbourg, a dependable defender, Guela Doue combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Côte d'Ivoire's backline. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
DF Currently plying his trade at Sporting CP, a dependable defender, Ousmane Diomande combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Côte d'Ivoire's backline. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances. Currently plying his trade at Sporting CP, a dependable defender, Ousmane Diomande combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Côte d'Ivoire's backline. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
DF Currently plying his trade at Galatasaray, a dependable defender, Wilfried Singo combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Côte d'Ivoire's backline. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances. Currently plying his trade at Galatasaray, a dependable defender, Wilfried Singo combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Côte d'Ivoire's backline. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
MF Nottingham Forest midfielder and Côte d'Ivoire's midfield anchor. Currently plying his trade at Nottingham Forest, an industrious midfielder, Ibrahim Sangaré excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Côte d'Ivoire. Has earned 20 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
MF Côte d'Ivoire's midfield engine, formerly of AC Milan. Currently plying his trade at Al-Ahli, an industrious midfielder, Franck Kessié excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Côte d'Ivoire. Has earned 65 international caps, scoring 7 goals, building significant international experience. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
MF Al Hilal midfielder and a key player in Côte d'Ivoire's 2024 AFCON triumph. Currently plying his trade at Porto, an industrious midfielder, Seko Fofana excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Côte d'Ivoire. Has earned 25 international caps, scoring 3 goals. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
MF An experienced midfielder in Côte d'Ivoire's squad. Currently plying his trade at NK Maribor, an industrious midfielder, Jean Michaël Seri excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Côte d'Ivoire. Has earned 35 international caps, scoring 2 goals. Born in 1991, the 34-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
MF Currently plying his trade at Trabzonspor, an industrious midfielder, Christ Inao Oulai excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Côte d'Ivoire. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances. Currently plying his trade at Trabzonspor, an industrious midfielder, Christ Inao Oulai excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Côte d'Ivoire. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
MF Currently plying his trade at Charleroi, an industrious midfielder, Parfait Guiagon excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Côte d'Ivoire. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances. Currently plying his trade at Charleroi, an industrious midfielder, Parfait Guiagon excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Côte d'Ivoire. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
FW Former Arsenal winger and a key attacker for Côte d'Ivoire. Currently plying his trade at Villarreal, a clinical forward, Nicolas Pépé possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Côte d'Ivoire's primary attacking threat. Has earned 50 international caps, scoring 9 goals. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
FW Brighton winger and 2024 AFCON Best Player. Currently plying his trade at Monaco, a clinical forward, Simon Adingra possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Côte d'Ivoire's primary attacking threat. Has earned 20 international caps, scoring 4 goals. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
FW Currently plying his trade at Manchester United, a clinical forward, Amad Diallo possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Côte d'Ivoire's primary attacking threat. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances. Currently plying his trade at Manchester United, a clinical forward, Amad Diallo possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Côte d'Ivoire's primary attacking threat. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
FW French-born Ivorian striker at Inter Milan. Powerful, clinical and intelligent, he has shown top-class potential in Serie A. His nationality switch from France was approved by FIFA in May 2026.
FW Currently plying his trade at Hoffenheim, a clinical forward, Bazoumana Toure possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Côte d'Ivoire's primary attacking threat. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances. Currently plying his trade at Hoffenheim, a clinical forward, Bazoumana Toure possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Côte d'Ivoire's primary attacking threat. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
FW Currently plying his trade at Nice, a clinical forward, Elye Wahi possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Côte d'Ivoire's primary attacking threat. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances. Currently plying his trade at Nice, a clinical forward, Elye Wahi possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Côte d'Ivoire's primary attacking threat. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
FW Currently plying his trade at Crystal Palace, a clinical forward, Evann Guessand possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Côte d'Ivoire's primary attacking threat. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances. Currently plying his trade at Crystal Palace, a clinical forward, Evann Guessand possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Côte d'Ivoire's primary attacking threat. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
FW Young Ivorian forward at Cercle Brugge in Belgium. Electrifyingly fast and explosive, he has made a name for himself in the Belgian Pro League.
FW Currently plying his trade at RB Leipzig, a clinical forward, Yan Diomande possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Côte d'Ivoire's primary attacking threat. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances. Currently plying his trade at RB Leipzig, a clinical forward, Yan Diomande possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Côte d'Ivoire's primary attacking threat. Set to compete with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 3 previous tournament appearances.
GROUP STANDINGS — Group E
GROUP RIVALS — Group E
RELATED NEWS
FAQ
- What group is Côte d'Ivoire in at the 2026 World Cup?
- Côte d'Ivoire are in Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador, Curaçao.
- Who is the head coach of Côte d'Ivoire?
- The head coach of Côte d'Ivoire is Emerse Faé.
- When is Côte d'Ivoire's first World Cup match?
- June 30, 2026 against Norway at AT&T Stadium.
- What is Côte d'Ivoire's best World Cup finish?
- Côte d'Ivoire's best result is Group stage, with 3 total appearances.