World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast national team squad – Elephants pin hopes on Amad Diallo in long-awaited return

Ivory Coast will return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 12 years when they take part in the 2026 tournament in North America, with expectations resting heavily on a new generation led by Manchester United forward Amad Diallo.

The Elephants secured qualification after an impressive campaign and arrive at the tournament determined to achieve something none of their previous World Cup teams managed — advancing beyond the group stage.

Six Ivory Coast football players in orange jerseys stand with arms crossed on a stadium field, with elephant statues and a trophy shown in the background. Six Ivory Coast football players in orange jerseys stand with arms crossed on a stadium field, with elephant statues and a trophy shown in the background. — Ivory Coast returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2014

Ivory Coast return to football’s biggest stage

After missing the last two World Cups, Ivory Coast have earned their place among the world’s elite once again following a commanding qualifying campaign.

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The West African nation finished top of their qualifying group with 26 points from 10 matches, producing a series of consistent performances that underlined their growing confidence under head coach Emerse Fae.

Their qualification marks a significant moment for a country that has regularly been among Africa’s strongest footballing nations but has struggled to translate continental success onto the global stage.

Previous World Cup record

The 2026 tournament will be Ivory Coast’s fourth World Cup appearance.

The Elephants previously qualified for three consecutive editions in 2006, 2010 and 2014, but were eliminated in the group stage on each occasion.

Those squads featured some of the greatest players in the country’s history, including Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, yet failed to reach the knockout rounds despite earning widespread admiration for their performances.

That record remains a source of motivation for the current squad as they seek to achieve a historic breakthrough.

Coach: Emerse Fae

Male Ivorian footballer in a dark training jacket with the Ivory Coast crest and an Africa Cup of Nations lanyard on the touchline. Male Ivorian footballer in a dark training jacket with the Ivory Coast crest and an Africa Cup of Nations lanyard on the touchline. — Coach Fae previously led Ivory Coast to victory in AFCON 2023

Head coach Emerse Fae has become one of the most respected figures in African football following his remarkable success with the national team.

The former midfielder was thrust into the spotlight during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Ivory Coast, when he took charge after a difficult start to the tournament.

Against the odds, Fae guided the Elephants to the continental title, overseeing one of the most memorable triumphs in African football history.

Since then, he has continued to build momentum, leading the team through qualification and restoring belief that Ivory Coast can compete with the world’s leading nations.

Star player: Amad Diallo

Soccer player in an orange jersey standing on the field with a flag and stadium lights in the background. Soccer player in an orange jersey standing on the field with a flag and stadium lights in the background. — Diallo is playing an increasingly important role for the Ivory Coast national team

Much of Ivory Coast’s optimism centres on the form of Amad Diallo.

The Manchester United winger has emerged as the focal point of the national team’s attack and is increasingly regarded as the face of a new generation of Ivorian football.

Diallo played a key role during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, contributing goals and assists while demonstrating his ability to influence matches in decisive moments.

His creativity, pace and technical quality have made him one of Africa’s most exciting attacking talents, while his growing influence from set-pieces has added another dimension to Ivory Coast’s attacking threat.

At the age of 23, the winger is expected to shoulder significant responsibility as the Elephants attempt to progress beyond the group stage for the first time.

Group-stage fixtures

Graphic of Côte d'Ivoire lineup for World Cup 2026 in a 4-3-3 formation on a green pitch, showing player headshots with orange position labels. Graphic of Côte d'Ivoire lineup for World Cup 2026 in a 4-3-3 formation on a green pitch, showing player headshots with orange position labels. — dh bbn

Ivory Coast begin their World Cup campaign against Ecuador on 15 June before facing one of the tournament favourites, Germany, six days later.

Their final group match comes against World Cup debutants Curacao on 26 June.

15 June: Ivory Coast vs Ecuador
21 June: Germany vs Ivory Coast
26 June: Curacao vs Ivory Coast

Head-to-head record against group opponents

vs Ecuador: First meeting

vs Germany: 1 draw, 0 wins, 0 losses

vs Curacao: First meeting

Can Ivory Coast make history?

Ivory Coast arrive at the 2026 World Cup with fewer global superstars than the generation led by Drogba, but there is a growing belief that this squad may be better balanced.

With an experienced coach, a settled core of players and the emerging brilliance of Amad Diallo, the Elephants have reason to believe they can finally overcome the group-stage barrier that has frustrated them in every previous appearance.

Whether they can achieve that ambition may depend on the performances of their young talisman, but for the first time in more than a decade, Ivory Coast return to the World Cup with genuine optimism.