Cote d’Ivoire’s route through U17 World Cup Group E revealed

Cote d’Ivoire will begin their U17 World Cup campaign against Uzbekistan before facing group favourites Italy and completing the first round against Jamaica.

The schedule gives the Elephanteaux a demanding but promising route through Group E, with Italy regarded as the strongest side in the section. However, Cote d’Ivoire’s recent form suggests they have a realistic opportunity to progress to the second round.

Their preparations have been strengthened by an encouraging performance at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished top of their group. That result has provided confidence as the team turns its attention to the World Cup.

Cote d’Ivoire have been praised for their collective technical quality and their attacking efficiency. Those strengths will be tested across three different fixtures, beginning with a meeting against Uzbekistan before the Elephanteaux take on Italy and Jamaica.

The encounter with Italy could prove particularly significant. Italy enter the group as the favourites, but Cote d’Ivoire are considered capable of competing for a place in the next phase. A positive result in that fixture would strengthen their prospects of reaching the second round.

Their final group match will be against Jamaica, leaving Cote d’Ivoire with three opportunities to secure the points required to continue their tournament. The team will hope the combination of recent momentum, technical ability and attacking effectiveness can carry them beyond the opening stage.

Cote d’Ivoire’s U17 World Cup schedule

– 20 November, 16:00: Cote d’Ivoire v Uzbekistan – 23 November, 14:30: Italy v Cote d’Ivoire – 26 November, 14:00: Jamaica v Cote d’Ivoire

The Elephanteaux will therefore open and close their Group E campaign against Uzbekistan and Jamaica respectively, with the meeting with Italy placed between those two fixtures.

After topping their group at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire approach the competition with both ambition and renewed confidence. Italy may be the leading contender in the section, but the schedule presents Cote d’Ivoire with a genuine chance to make an impact and earn a place in the second round.