Ivory Coast’s build-up to the 2026 World Cup is gathering pace, with the Elephants set to test themselves against elite opposition as part of an ambitious programme of international friendlies.
Speaking on national television channel La 3, the president of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), Idriss Diallo, confirmed that a high-profile friendly has been scheduled for June, shortly before the start of the World Cup in the Americas.
According to his announcement, Ivory Coast are expected to face France, the reigning world champions, with the match provisionally planned for 4 June in Nantes.
The fixture, which has been the subject of growing speculation in recent weeks, would represent a major benchmark for the Elephants ahead of the tournament.
The potential meeting with France forms part of a carefully structured preparation plan designed to expose the Ivorian side to different styles and levels of competition.
Facing one of the strongest teams in world football would offer a valuable assessment of Ivory Coast’s readiness as they approach the final stages of their World Cup preparations.
Before that June encounter, Ivory Coast will already have taken another significant step in their build-up during the March international window.
The FIF has officially announced that the national team will play Scotland in an international friendly on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 19:30 GMT at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, England.
This fixture will be historic, marking the first ever meeting between Ivory Coast and Scotland at senior international level.
Both nations have already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, adding further significance to the encounter.
In a statement shared on its official communication channels, the FIF confirmed that the match against Scotland forms part of the March 2026 FIFA international window and is aimed squarely at preparing the Elephants for the demands of the global tournament.
The opportunity to face European opposition in competitive conditions is seen as an important element of the federation’s strategy.
Taken together, the friendlies against Scotland in March and the anticipated clash with France in June underline Ivory Coast’s intention to arrive at the World Cup fully tested.
With preparations intensifying, the Elephants are seeking to fine-tune their squad and tactical approach by measuring themselves against teams with contrasting profiles, including a potential showdown with the reigning world champions just days before the tournament begins.
