Emerse Faé’s Official Squad for Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Côte d'Ivoire have officially unveiled their squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Emerse Faé selected a mix of experience, rising stars and European-based talent to try and change the nation’s World Cup history.

Côte d'Ivoire want to change their World Cup history in 2026

Côte d'Ivoire have officially confirmed the 26 players who will represent the nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Head coach Emerse Faé unveiled a squad filled with established stars, explosive young talent and several players arriving in excellent form.

The Elephants will compete in only their fourth FIFA World Cup appearance, still carrying an unwanted record: they have never advanced beyond the group stage. However, the atmosphere around this squad feels very different compared to previous generations, especially after an impressive qualifying campaign.

According to official federation reports, Côte d'Ivoire finished the African qualifiers unbeaten with eight wins and two draws against Gabon and Kenya. That defensive solidity became one of the key strengths of Emerse Faé's team.

Official Côte d'Ivoire squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers

Yahia Fofana — Çaykur Rizespor
Mohamed Koné — Charleroi
Alban Lafont — Panathinaikos

Defenders

Emmanuel Agbadou — Beşiktaş
Clément Akpa — AJ Auxerre
Ousmane Diomande — Sporting CP
Guela Doué — Strasbourg
Ghislain Konan — Gil Vicente
Odilon Kossounou — Atalanta
Evan Ndicka — AS Roma
Wilfried Singo — Galatasaray

Midfielders

Seko Fofana — Porto
Parfait Guiagon — Charleroi
Christ Inao Oulaï — Trabzonspor
Franck Kessié — Al-Ahli
Ibrahim Sangaré — Nottingham Forest
Jean-Michaël Seri — Maribor

Forwards

Simon Adingra — Monaco
Ange-Yoan Bonny — Inter Milan
Amad Diallo — Manchester United
Oumar Diakité — Cercle Brugge
Yan Diomande — RB Leipzig
Evann Guessand — Crystal Palace
Nicolas Pépé — Villarreal
Bazoumana Touré — Hoffenheim
Elye Wahi — OGC Nice

Head Coach

Emerse Faé

Amad Diallo leads a new generation full of excitement

One of the most anticipated names in the squad is Amad Diallo. The Manchester United winger will play in his first FIFA World Cup and arrives as one of the biggest attacking weapons in the squad. His speed, creativity and ability to break defensive lines could make him one of Africa’s breakout stars at the tournament.

Alongside him are several players representing the new era of football in Côte d'Ivoire, including Evann Guessand, Simon Adingra, Yan Diomande and Ange-Yoan Bonny. All of them are already competing in major European leagues and gaining valuable experience at the highest level.

At the same time, the squad still relies on experienced leaders who will be crucial in difficult moments. Captain Franck Kessié, with more than 100 international appearances, remains the emotional and tactical leader of the team. Veterans like Seko Fofana, Jean-Michaël Seri and Nicolas Pépé also bring experience to a roster built on the balance between youth and maturity.

Find out everything you need to know about the Ivory Coast national team

The group awaiting Côte d'Ivoire at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The Elephants were drawn into Group E, where they will face Ecuador, Germany and Curaçao. On paper, the clash against four-time world champions Germany appears to be the toughest challenge, although Côte d'Ivoire believe they have enough quality to compete.

Their World Cup journey begins on June 14 against Ecuador in Philadelphia. They will then travel to Toronto to face Germany before returning to Philadelphia for their final group stage match against Curaçao.

The objective is clear: qualify beyond the group stage for the first time in the nation’s history and prove this generation can elevate football in Côte d'Ivoire to another level internationally.

The tournament could also become a massive showcase for several of the younger players, especially Amad Diallo, Adingra and Guessand, who have the opportunity to announce themselves on the global stage.