Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé has announced his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with goalkeeper Alban Lafont receiving his first international call-up for the Elephants.
The 25-year-old, who has previously been linked with Burkina Faso, was included in Faé’s selection ahead of fixtures against Burundi on 5 September and Gabon on 9 September in Franceville.
His presence marks one of the biggest surprises in a list that blends established figures with returning names.
Lafont, currently regarded as one of the most consistent goalkeepers in Ligue 1, had been the subject of speculation over his international allegiance. For years, Burkina Faso pursued him in the hope of securing his commitment.
His decision to represent Ivory Coast brings an end to the uncertainty and strengthens the Elephants’ options in goal as they begin a crucial stage of their qualification campaign.
Fofana Returns After Fine Club Form
Among the notable inclusions is the return of midfielder Seko Fofana, who has been in strong form at Rennes since the start of the season. The 29-year-old missed recent international windows but his performances in France have convinced Faé to recall him for the decisive September fixtures. His energy, leadership and box-to-box presence could prove vital as Ivory Coast aim to assert themselves early in the group stage.
Balancing Experience and Fresh Options
Faé’s roster continues the coach’s strategy of combining experienced internationals with emerging talents. Established stars are expected to shoulder responsibility in the high-stakes matches, while younger call-ups such as Lafont reflect an eye on the future. The decision to involve players who are both in form at their clubs and committed to the national cause underscores Faé’s attempt to create balance across the squad.
Ivory Coast will be eager to begin their campaign with a statement victory against Burundi in Abidjan. The fixture on 5 September provides an opportunity to secure early points before a difficult away encounter in Gabon four days later.
Franceville has historically been a challenging venue for visiting sides, meaning Faé will rely heavily on both his senior players and new additions to deliver results.
A New Era Between the Posts
The inclusion of Lafont is particularly significant given the long-running debate around the goalkeeper position in the Ivorian squad. While the Elephants have had experienced options in recent years, consistency has been an issue. Lafont’s command of his area, shot-stopping ability and years of top-flight experience with Nantes and other clubs offer qualities that could bring stability to a role often scrutinised in high-pressure matches.
For Faé, the call-up represents a signal of intent: to integrate committed, high-performing players into the national setup, regardless of past speculation about their international future. Lafont’s decision to wear the Ivorian shirt could also inspire other dual-eligible players to commit to the Elephants in the coming years.
Building Momentum for 2026
With the World Cup in North America on the horizon, every qualification fixture carries weight. Ivory Coast, buoyed by recent performances in continental competitions, are determined to secure their place on the global stage. The squad announcement illustrates the importance of depth, form and adaptability as the team prepares for the challenges ahead.
As the Elephants gather for their September matches, the focus will not only be on established names but also on the newcomers tasked with proving their value. For Alban Lafont, it is the beginning of what could become a defining chapter in his international career.
