The Ivorian Football Federation has confirmed that head coach Emerse Faé will announce his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Gabon on Wednesday, 27 August at 14:00 local time.
The list of players is among the most anticipated of the year, with the Elephants facing two crucial fixtures that could determine their path to the finals in North America. Ivory Coast, who will host Burundi at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on 5 September before travelling to Franceville to play Gabon on 9 September, know the stakes could not be higher.
High stakes in Group F
Ivory Coast currently top Group F with 16 points, just one point clear of second-placed Gabon. With only the group winners guaranteed direct qualification for the World Cup, every match carries enormous weight. Faé’s reigning African champions cannot afford a slip, particularly against Gabon, who remain their biggest challengers.
Victory in Franceville would hand the Elephants a commanding advantage in the group and leave them within touching distance of sealing their ticket to the finals.
However, a setback could throw the campaign wide open with only two games left to play. The atmosphere surrounding the matches is therefore one of tension and anticipation, both in Abidjan and beyond.
Boost from summer transfers
Several Ivorian players have undergone important changes during the summer transfer window, moves that could provide fresh momentum to the national team. Forward Sébastien Haller, who endured a difficult spell last season, has secured a permanent return to Dutch side Utrecht. His experience and physical presence remain vital assets for Ivory Coast as they seek to overcome Gabon’s defensive resilience.
Meanwhile, Simon Adingra’s switch to English side Sunderland has been viewed as a step forward in his development. With 14 international appearances and two goals already to his name, the winger has shown glimpses of becoming a future leader in Faé’s squad. His speed and direct play on the flanks could provide the attacking spark the Elephants have sometimes lacked.
Waiting on key returns
Attention also turns to two key players whose recent absences have raised questions: Seko Fofana and Evan Ndicka. Fofana, who scored the decisive winner against Gabon earlier in the campaign, remains a central figure in midfield with his mix of strength and technical quality.
Ndicka, the Roma defender, would significantly reinforce a backline that has looked vulnerable at times. Their potential recalls would signal Faé’s determination to field his strongest possible squad for these decisive encounters.
Selection dilemmas for Faé
Not every decision will be straightforward for the Ivorian coach. Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, part of the AFCON-winning squad, is in the middle of transfer negotiations to leave Angers, leaving his situation uncertain. Similarly, striker Oumar Diakité, once celebrated for his impact with the national team, has struggled for form at Reims and is seeking a new club. Faé must weigh loyalty and past contributions against the immediate need for players in peak condition.
Countdown to a pivotal moment
The pressure on Faé and his players is immense, but so too is the opportunity. With the Elephants’ destiny firmly in their own hands, the forthcoming squad announcement is expected to shape the narrative of their World Cup qualification campaign.
Ivory Coast, buoyed by their AFCON triumph earlier this year, will enter the September matches as favourites, but they know that their margin for error is slim. The nation now awaits the final list that could define whether the Elephants roar all the way to North America in 2026.
🚨 Conférence de Presse | 7e et 8e Journées des éliminatoires du Mondial 2026, Zone AFRIQUE
• Annonce des joueurs sélectionnés #FIF 🇨🇮 pic.twitter.com/K2UBMcGisE
— FIF 🇨🇮🐘 (@FIFCI_tweet) August 20, 2025
