World Cup 2026: We will try and break the German wall – Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae

Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae has declared that his side will take an aggressive approach into their highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E encounter against Germany, insisting the Elephants will go “eyeball-to-eyeball” with the European giants in Toronto on Saturday.

The African champions face one of the tournament favourites at BMO Field knowing that a positive result could significantly boost their hopes of securing an early place in the knockout stages.

Germany head into the contest full of confidence after producing a devastating display in their opening fixture, where they recorded a resounding 7-1 victory to underline their credentials as serious contenders for the world title.

However, Fae remains unfazed by the challenge awaiting his team and believes Ivory Coast possess the quality required to compete with one of football’s traditional powerhouses.

Speaking ahead of the crucial Group E showdown, the Ivorian coach acknowledged Germany’s pedigree and wealth of talent but stressed that his side would not approach the match with fear.

“It will be a difficult match again, it’s Germany,” Fae said.

“They have lots and lots of experience. World Cup, they have won it a few times. They have players playing in the greatest European clubs. They have striking power.”

Despite his admiration for Germany’s quality, Fae insisted that Ivory Coast’s objective remains clear: victory.

“[Winning] 7-1 for the first match in this competition, it’s not nothing, but we’ll go there to win,” he added.

“With the mind to win and to get to our qualification from the second day on.”

The former Ivory Coast international has overseen a resurgence in the national team since taking charge, guiding the West Africans with a blend of tactical discipline and attacking ambition.

His comments reflect a growing confidence within the squad as they seek to make a deep run at the tournament.

Rather than sitting back against Germany’s formidable attacking unit, Fae suggested the Elephants will rely on their own strengths and attempt to impose themselves on the game.

“We’ll go eyeball-to-eyeball with them and we’ll try to give it our all,” he said.

“We have our own qualities. We’ll lean on our own strength and we’ll try to bring down the German wall.”

The match is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the second round of group-stage games, with Germany aiming to build on their emphatic opening victory while Ivory Coast seek a result that could put them on the brink of qualification for the Round of 32.

With both teams possessing attacking firepower and ambitions of progressing deep into the tournament, supporters can expect an entertaining and fiercely contested battle when they meet in Toronto on Saturday.