Ivory Coast striker Sébastien Haller has spoken candidly about his future with the national team ahead of the announcement of the country’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 34-cap international, who played a key role in Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 2023, said he is fully focused on preparation but remains unsure whether he will be included in the final selection by head coach Emerse Faé.
Speaking in an interview with Nouvelle Chaîne Ivoirienne (NCI), Haller acknowledged both his determination and the reality of his recent absence from the national team setup.
“I expect anything. I’m preparing 10,000% to be ready, but then it’s up to the coach to make his choices.
“I haven’t been selected for quite some time, which makes my participation uncertain.
“If I’m not selected, there will be a lot of disappointment and frustration, and it will be close to the end of my international career.”
His comments come just days before Ivory Coast officially reveal their World Cup squad on 15 May at 13:00 GMT, with the announcement set to be broadcast live on RTI 1.
A follow-up press conference is scheduled for 15:00 GMT at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, where officials are expected to provide further explanation of the squad selection and the team’s preparation plans.
Haller’s situation is being closely followed by supporters, particularly given his contribution to the national team’s recent success.
However, his current form at club level has been less prolific.
The striker, who plays for FC Utrecht, has scored just one goal and registered four assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this season.
Ivory Coast are preparing for their return to the FIFA World Cup stage for the first time since 2014.
The West African nation last appeared at the tournament in Brazil, having previously qualified in 2006, 2010 and 2014. On each of those occasions, the team was eliminated at the group stage.
This upcoming tournament is therefore seen as an important opportunity for the national side to make a stronger impact on the global stage, with squad selection under particular scrutiny as the federation looks to balance experience and form.
Haller’s emotional remarks reflect the pressure facing several established players as competition for places intensifies ahead of the tournament.
While he insists he remains fully committed to preparation, his absence from recent selections has raised questions over his role in Faé’s long-term plans.
As the announcement approaches, attention in Ivory Coast is firmly fixed on whether one of their most experienced forwards will be included in what could be one of the most significant squads in the nation’s recent football history.
