World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast forward Jeremie Boga admits disappointment after omission

Ivorian forward Jeremie Boga has spoken openly about his disappointment after being left out of coach Emerse Fae’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The talented attacker was among the notable absentees when Fae unveiled his final squad for the global tournament, bringing an end to Boga’s hopes of representing the Elephants on football’s biggest stage this summer.

Reacting to the setback, the former Chelsea winger admitted that missing out on the World Cup was a painful moment in his career, describing the tournament as the dream of every professional footballer.

Boga acknowledged that being excluded from such a prestigious competition was difficult to accept, especially given the significance of the World Cup and the opportunity it presents for players to showcase their talents on the international stage.

Despite his disappointment, the 29-year-old insisted that he respects the coach’s decision and is determined to remain positive as he looks ahead to future opportunities with the national team.

The forward revealed that while he will not be part of the squad travelling to North America, he will continue to support Ivory Coast throughout the competition and cheer on his teammates from afar.

“It’s a huge disappointment not to be playing in the World Cup; it’s every player’s dream, but I’m moving on. I’ll be supporting my country and my teammates with all my heart,” Boga said.

His comments reflect a professional attitude despite the frustration of missing out on one of the most important tournaments in world football.

Boga has been a regular figure in the Ivorian setup over the years and played a role in several of the team’s recent campaigns. However, fierce competition for places and tactical considerations ultimately saw him miss out on a place in Fae’s final squad.

With Ivory Coast preparing for a challenging World Cup campaign, the Elephants will hope to make a strong impression in North America as they seek to build on the momentum generated under Fae.

Although Boga’s World Cup dream has been put on hold, the experienced attacker remains focused on the future and has pledged his unwavering support to the national team as they aim for success on the global stage.