FIFA President Gianni Infantino has extended his warm congratulations to reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast after they secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Elephants sealed their return to the global stage with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Kenya on Tuesday night to top Group F and book their ticket to the tournament, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
In a congratulatory message, Infantino lauded the West African giants for their remarkable achievement, describing their qualification as a proud moment for Ivorian football and the African continent at large.
“The Elephants are back at the FIFA World Cup. Congratulations to Côte d’Ivoire. This will be your fourth appearance at the world’s biggest sporting event,” Infantino said.
“It will be another opportunity to bring communities together and to celebrate your best players on the global stage.”
The FIFA President reflected on the country’s impressive football history, recalling their debut in 2006 led by Didier Drogba and a golden generation that captured the world’s attention.
“Twenty years on from your debut and the exploits of Drogba and his teammates, you now have the chance to write a new chapter in history. We are all excited to see Côte d’Ivoire next year. See you very soon. Ciao!”
Ivory Coast’s qualification marks their fourth World Cup appearance, following their previous participations in 2006, 2010, and 2014.
The Elephants now turn their focus to preparing for another memorable campaign on football’s grandest stage.
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