Ivory Coast at the World Cup 2026: Squad, fixtures, group and history

Ivory Coast return to the FIFA World Cup in 2026 hoping to finally break their long-standing group-stage curse after several painful exits on football’s biggest stage.

The Elephants are back at the tournament after missing the previous two editions and arrive with renewed confidence following their Africa Cup of Nations triumph under head coach Emerse Faé. Drawn in Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador and Curacao, Ivory Coast will be aiming to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

Group E Overview

Ivory Coast have been placed in Group E together with four-time world champions Germany, South American side Ecuador and Caribbean representatives Curacao.

The group promises to be highly competitive, with the Elephants expected to battle Ecuador for qualification while also facing a major challenge against Germany.

Group E Teams

Germany
Curacao
Ivory Coast
Ecuador

Ivory Coast Fixtures at World Cup 2026

The Elephants begin their campaign against Ecuador before facing Germany in a crucial second group match. They will conclude the group stage against Curacao.

Fixtures

Ivory Coast vs Ecuador – Sunday, 14 June 2026 – Philadelphia Stadium
Germany vs Ivory Coast – Saturday, 20 June 2026 – Toronto Stadium
Curacao vs Ivory Coast – Thursday, 25 June 2026 – Philadelphia Stadium

Ivory Coast World Cup History

Ivory Coast have qualified for the FIFA World Cup four times in their history, appearing at the 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2026 tournaments.

Despite producing several world-class talents over the years, including Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, the Elephants have never advanced beyond the group stage.

Germany 2006: Debut in a Group of Death

Ivory Coast made their long-awaited World Cup debut at the 2006 tournament in Germany.

Placed in a difficult group alongside Argentina and the Netherlands, the Elephants suffered narrow 2-1 defeats in both matches, ending their hopes of progressing early. However, they closed the tournament with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Serbia and Montenegro.

Didier Drogba also scored Ivory Coast’s first-ever World Cup goal during the defeat to Argentina.

South Africa 2010: Another Narrow Exit

The 2010 World Cup handed Ivory Coast another difficult group featuring Brazil and Portugal.

The Elephants earned a goalless draw against Portugal before suffering a 3-1 defeat to Brazil. They bounced back impressively by defeating North Korea 3-0, recording the country’s biggest World Cup victory.

Despite collecting four points, Ivory Coast were eliminated on goal difference as Portugal advanced to the knockout stage.

Brazil 2014: Heartbreak Against Greece

Many believed the Elephants finally had the opportunity to reach the Round of 16 after being drawn alongside Colombia, Greece and Japan.

Ivory Coast opened with a 2-1 victory over Japan, but defeats to Colombia and Greece ended their hopes. A stoppage-time goal against Greece condemned the Elephants to another heartbreaking first-round exit.

2026 FIFA World Cup: Return to the Global Stage

After missing the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, Ivory Coast secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Under Emerse Faé, who guided the nation to Africa Cup of Nations success in 2023, the Elephants will hope this generation can finally make history by reaching the knockout rounds.

Ivory Coast Final 26-Man Squad

Goalkeepers

Yahia Fofana (Caykur Rizespor)
Alban Lafont (Panathinaikos)
Mohamed Kone (Charleroi)

Defenders

Ghislain Konan (Gil Vicente)
Odilon Kossounou (Atalanta)
Wilfried Singo (Galatasaray)
Evan Ndicka (Roma)
Emmanuel Agbadou (Besiktas)
Guela Doue (Strasbourg)
Ousmane Diomande (Sporting CP)
Christopher Operi (Istanbul Basaksehir)

Midfielders

Franck Kessie (Al-Ahli)
Jean Michael Seri (Maribor)
Ibrahim Sangare (Nottingham Forest)
Seko Fofana (Porto)
Christ Inao Oulai (Trabzonspor)
Parfait Guiagon (Charleroi)

Forwards

Nicolas Pepe (Villarreal)
Oumar Diakite (Cercle Brugge)
Simon Adingra (Monaco)
Evann Guessand (Crystal Palace)
Amad Diallo (Manchester United)
Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig)
Bazoumana Toure (TSG Hoffenheim)
Elye Wahi (Nice)
Ange-Yoan Bonny (Inter Milan)