WC Countdown: Rejuvenated Elephants are chasing a first-ever place in the knockout stage
Reading Time: 5min | Wed. 03.06.26. | 12:32
Despite a poor AFCON campaign this year, as well as a number of young players in the squad, Ivory Coast are still regarded as a dark horse at this tournament due to their quality
Everybody loves to predict a dark horse that could shock and surprise ahead of the World Cup, and perhaps the Ivory Coast could be a contender for that tag.
A mixture of dangerous attackers and workhorses in midfield could be a winning combination in North America for the Elephants. Whilst not quite boasting the same level of talent as their 2006 squad - Kolo and Yaya Toure, Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, and Emmanuel Eboue - there are some notable names included for the 2026 tournament.
Ivory Coast will arrive at the World Cup as one of the strongest African sides. Out of the 56 national teams that took part in the African qualifiers, only Tunisia (28) collected more points than Ivory Coast. It is also worth highlighting that Emerse Fae’s team did not concede a single goal during qualification.
Although they were eliminated in the quarter-finals of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations by Egypt, Ivory Coast will undoubtedly be one of the major forces representing the African continent at the World Cup. The Elephants play a highly attacking style of football and approach every opponent without fear.
They mainly rely on explosive wingers and midfielders who drive quick transitions, capable of breaking through defensive lines in just a few passes and creating dangerous scoring opportunities. This makes them a typical example of modern dominant African teams, with players who are agile, fast, athletic, and physically strong.
In addition to their physical qualities, Ivory Coast also stands out for its solid tactical discipline. While the domestic public experienced disappointment after their Africa Cup of Nations exit, this does not mean they will head into the World Cup burdened by doubt or pessimism.
On the contrary, the Ivorian public is generally satisfied that their national team has qualified for the tournament, and there are no unrealistic expectations placed upon them ahead of football’s biggest stage.
Ideal XI (4-3-3): Fofana – Due, Kossounou, Ndicka, Konan – Kessie, Sangare, Inao Oulai – Wahi, Guessand, Diomande
Kits: Orange with an elephant crest over the heart for home matches, while the away kit is white, decorated with palm trees and sun patterns
Statistics: The top scorer in the qualifiers was Seko Fofana with three goals
Seko Fofana in action (©Gallo Images)Main star of the team – Amad Diallo
Manchester United’s skillful winger is the alpha and omega of the Ivory Coast side. The team’s World Cup performance will largely depend on Amad Diallo’s form and influence. While his club season has not been particularly outstanding, he showed at the Africa Cup of Nations that he is the leading figure of this African national team.
Although he is a regular starter for Manchester United, Diallo is still prone to fluctuations in form. That, however, does not change the fact that he is a highly talented footballer — an excellent dribbler with strong vision and solid technical ability, capable of accelerating into space and operating effectively in tight areas.
Young star – Yan Diomande
Leipzig’s explosive talent. The place where the legendary Wilfried Zaha once left off is now expected to be taken over by 19-year-old Yan Diomande. This season — which is, it should be noted, essentially his first in senior football, having played only 10 matches for Leganes last year — he has completely exploded in a Leipzig shirt, and it would not be surprising if he soon breaks a transfer record.
A move to Liverpool is being mentioned as a possible future step, potentially as a replacement for Mohamed Salah.
Coach – Emerse Fae
He took over the national team in 2023, right in the middle of the Africa Cup of Nations. Although the Elephants barely scraped through the group stage of that tournament, Fae ultimately led them all the way to the trophy — in short, a story straight out of a movie.
Fae is not a big-name coach, nor is he considered a football genius, but he appears to be someone capable of getting the absolute maximum out of this squad. In any case, he is the manager who has revitalized Ivory Coast.
Emerse Fae (©AFP)Predictions
Ivory Coast are a familiar name on the World Cup stage, having appeared at three consecutive tournaments between 2006 and 2014. After missing the last two editions, they now return to a competition that has been expanded to 48 teams, significantly increasing the number of qualifying spots.
With FIFA maintaining four-team groups, eight of the best third-placed sides across 12 groups will also progress, giving teams like Ivory Coast an added route into the knockout rounds. If debutants Curacao struggle as many expect in Group G, the Ivorians could find themselves in a strong position to advance.
Much will hinge on their head-to-head with Ecuador, particularly if Germany justify their status as group favourites. Built on speed, power, and sharp attacking transitions, Ivory Coast have the tools to trouble any opponent in knockout football. If they start the tournament well and build momentum across their opening matches, a long run in the competition would not come as a surprise.
WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE
First round
Thursday, 11.06.
22.00: (1.50) Mexico (4.00) S.Africa (7.25)
Friday, 12. 06.
05.00: (2.70) S.Korea (3.10) Czech R. (2.75)
22.00: (1.85) Canada (3.70) B&H (4.25)
Saturday, 13.06.
04.00: (2.05) USA (3.35) Paraguay (3.80)
22.00: (12.0) Qatar (5.40) Switzerland (1.28)
Sunday, 14.06.
01.00: (1.62) Brazil (3.80) Morocco (5.80)
04.00: (6.80) Haiti (4.45) Scotland (1.47)
07.00: (4.50) Australia (3.50) Turkey (1.83)
20.00: (1.03) Germany (15.0) Curacao (50.0)
23.00: (2.10) Netherlands (3.45) Japan (3.50)
Monday, 15.06.
02.00: (3.60) Ivory Coast (2.90) Ecuador (2.30)
05.00: (2.00) Sweden (3.35) Tunisia (4.00)
19.00: (1.08) Spain (11.0) Cape Verde (28.0)
22.00: (1.70) Belgium (4.00) Egypt (4.75)
***odds are subject to chance***