Ivory Coast beat Kenya on final day to secure 2026 World Cup qualification

West African football heavyweights, Ivory Coast have sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following victory against Kenya on final day.

The Elephants, led by Emerse Fae confirmed their place for the global showpiece after inflicting a resounding 3-0 win over their opponent on final day of the African qualifiers on Tuesday night.

The reigning AFCON champions finished on top of Group F with 26 points from 10 matches, edging out Gabon with just a point in one of the tightest qualification races on the continent.

Both teams went into the final round seeking qualification to the global showpiece. However, it was the Elephants, who prevailed with qualification.

Ivory Coast shot into the lead through experienced midfielder Frank Kessie after just seven minutes into the game, as the host wine to the break with a slim advantage.

After recess, Yan Diomande doubled the lead for Ivory Coast in the 54th minute before Amad Diallo found the net five minutes to full time to cement victory for the Ivorians.

The victory sparked widespread celebrations at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara Stadium and other major cities in Ivory Coast, with the West African football giants joining elite football nations like Ghana, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt and others on the continent for the global showpiece.

Their qualification comes at a time when African football is enjoying unprecedented representation. The 2026 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format of 48 teams, giving Africa nine direct slots.

Having booked qualification, Emerse Fae and his charges will shift their attention to the World Cup draw slated for December 5, 2025.