Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast arrive at the 2026 World Cup as the champions of Africa, and they carry themselves like it. Their triumph at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations — staged on home soil — was one of the great tournament stories in recent memory: a side that looked dead and buried in the group stage, even sacking their coach mid-tournament, somehow regrouped to win the whole thing. That spirit, that refusal to quit, defines this group of players.

Talent Across the Pitch

The Elephants are blessed with quality in every department. Up front, Sébastien Haller — whose emotional journey back from illness to score the AFCON-winning goal moved the football world — leads the line with power and poise. Around him, Simon Adingra and Amad Diallo provide pace, trickery, and end product on the flanks, while the experienced Nicolas Pépé adds another attacking option.

In midfield, the vastly experienced Franck Kessié remains the heartbeat of the team — a box-to-box force who breaks up play and drives the team forward. At the back, Evan Ndicka brings composure and athleticism. It is a balanced, powerful squad with the perfect blend of experience and emerging talent.

Group E: Built to Advance

Ivory Coast were drawn into Group E alongside four-time world champions Germany, the dangerous Ecuador, and debutants Curaçao. Germany will start as favourites, but the Elephants have every reason to back themselves to claim a knockout place — most likely in a direct battle with Ecuador for second.

For an African nation, the expanded format and the extra knockout round represent a genuine opportunity to make history. Morocco became the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022, and Ivory Coast have the talent to mount a deep run of their own.

Champions With Belief

Ivory Coast will not be among the pre-tournament favourites, but champions carry a different kind of confidence. With a squad full of quality and the memory of their improbable AFCON triumph fresh in the mind, the Elephants are one of Africa's brightest hopes in 2026. Follow every Ivory Coast match live on KickD.