Inter Milan striker Ange-Yoan Bonny has been cleared to represent Ivory Coast after completing a switch in international allegiance from France, boosting his chances of appearing at the 2026 World Cup.
The 22-year-old forward, who previously featured for France at youth level, is now eligible to play for Ivory Coast after receiving approval from FIFA and the French Football Federation.
Bonny’s decision comes after Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae contacted the player earlier this year in an effort to convince him to join the Elephants setup.
Fae subsequently named Bonny in a preliminary squad for the international friendly against South Korea on 28 March, signalling the country’s intention to integrate the striker into the national team.
Born in Aubervilliers, a suburb in the north-eastern outskirts of Paris, Bonny came through the youth system in France and represented Les Bleus across several age-group levels before opting to switch allegiance.
The former Chateauroux academy player has enjoyed a steady rise in club football and currently plays for Inter Milan, known in Italy as the Nerazzurri.
Since joining the Serie A side from rivals Parma during the off-season, Bonny has made 44 appearances in all competitions. During that period he has scored seven goals and provided seven assists, performances that have strengthened his case for international selection.
The striker’s switch is expected to provide added attacking options for Ivory Coast as the team prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States next month.
Ivory Coast have been drawn in Group E, where they are scheduled to face Germany, Ecuador and tournament debutants Curacao.
Bonny will now aim to impress Fae sufficiently to secure a place in the final squad for the tournament. His arrival could add further depth to the Elephants’ forward line as the West African side seeks to make an impact on the global stage.
The move also reflects a growing trend of dual-nationality players making decisions over their international futures at senior level after representing other countries in youth competitions. In Bonny’s case, the formal approval process required both FIFA authorisation and consent from the French Football Federation before the switch could be completed.
Having already established himself in one of Europe’s leading leagues, Bonny now has the opportunity to transfer his club form onto the international stage with Ivory Coast as preparations continue for the World Cup.
