Ivory Coast are back – and they are hungry. The Elephants missed the 2018 and 2022 World Cups entirely and arrive in North America with a point to prove. Three previous appearances – in 2006, 2010 and 2014 – all ended in the group stage.
Under Emerse Fae – the first locally-born Ivorian coach to lead a successful World Cup qualification campaign – this squad carries the ambition of a generation determined not to waste its moment.
How they got there
Ivory Coast topped CAF Group F without losing a single match and without conceding a single goal across ten qualifying games – eight wins and two draws producing a goal difference of +25.
They were pushed all the way by Gabon, who finished just one point behind. It was a dominant campaign that announced the arrival of a new Ivorian generation.
Best ever World Cup finish
Ivory Coast have never advanced beyond the group stage. Their 2006 debut saw them drawn alongside Argentina, the Netherlands and Serbia and Montenegro – beaten by both the former but victorious against the latter.
In 2014 Drogba came off the bench as a catalyst to beat Japan but they still exited in the group stage. The knockout rounds remain the unreached target.
Iconic moments
Didier Drogba’s goal against Argentina in the 82nd minute of their 2006 World Cup opener – the first ever Ivory Coast goal at a World Cup – remains their most celebrated tournament moment.
The image of Drogba celebrating in front of thousands of Ivorian supporters announced the golden generation to the world. That era never delivered a knockout appearance. This one intends to.
Players to watch
Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig) – The 19-year-old was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Year after contributing 13 goals and 10 assists across all competitions. Direct, pacey and technically gifted – he could be one of the tournament’s breakout stars.
Amad Diallo (Manchester United) – The 23-year-old arrives at his first World Cup in strong form following an impressive season at Old Trafford. Comfortable on either flank, Diallo brings pace, creativity and Premier League quality to Ivory Coast’s attack.
Fixtures
15 Jun: Ivory Coast vs Ecuador – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia – 01:00 SAST
20 Jun: Germany vs Ivory Coast – BMO Field, Toronto – 22:00 SAST
25 Jun: Curacao vs Ivory Coast – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia – 22:00 SAST
Photo: REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
