Ivory Coast schedule March friendlies with South Korea and Scotland

Ivory Coast will fine-tune their 2026 World Cup preparations with friendly matches against South Korea and Scotland in March, marking the Elephants’ first competitive steps since their disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

The fixtures form part of an intensive training camp announced by the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), as head coach Emerse Faé looks to reset his squad ahead of the global tournament, scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July in the Americas.

The federation confirmed the team will play twice during the upcoming international break, providing early insight into how Ivory Coast intends to rebuild momentum.

According to the official statement from the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) , the team managed by Emerse Faé will play two international friendlies in March.

The first match will pit Ivory Coast against South Korea on March 28 at 2:00 PM GMT in London, England. Three days later, on March 31, the Elephants will face Scotland at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool at 7:30 PM GMT.

The meeting with South Korea will carry an added sense of purpose for Ivory Coast. It will be only the second encounter between the two nations, following the Ivorians’ 2-0 defeat in their first meeting on 3 March 2010.

By contrast, the clash with Scotland represents uncharted territory, as the sides prepare to face each other for the first time.

Both matches are viewed as significant tests for Faé’s squad as they sharpen their competitive edge. The federation sees the games as a chance to simulate the level of opposition and pressure expected at the World Cup.

With South Korea and Scotland already qualified for the tournament, Ivory Coast will be exposed to the type of environment they aim to navigate successfully next year.

For the Elephants, the March fixtures are more than routine friendlies. They represent an early opportunity to rebuild confidence, refine tactical cohesion and approach the World Cup cycle with renewed ambition after recent disappointment.