The Ivory Coast national football team has officially opened its training camp in Toronto ahead of the 2025 Canada Shield Tournament, holding its first session on Tuesday 3 June under the supervision of head coach Émerse Faé.
The majority of the Elephants’ squad reported for duty at the Toronto Football Club’s training facility, as the West African side began its final phase of preparation for the highly anticipated international competition.
Only one player, Simon Adingra, was absent from the opening day of training. His arrival is expected on Wednesday, which will bring the full squad together.
With the complete group expected in camp by midweek, Coach Faé will be able to shift focus to detailed tactical drills, team chemistry and refining match strategies.
The Canada Shield offers a valuable opportunity for the reigning African champions to test themselves against international opponents in a competitive setting, and the technical staff is determined to make the most of the limited preparation window.
Tuesday’s session in Toronto marked more than just a physical return to the pitch; it was a symbolic first step toward building momentum for the tournament.
The atmosphere within the camp was described as focused and professional, with players eager to impress and solidify their places in the starting lineup.
Training sessions over the coming days will intensify, with the technical team aiming to enhance physical fitness, improve fluidity in team play and instil discipline across all areas of the squad.
With Adingra’s imminent arrival, Faé will have the rare benefit of working with a full-strength team early in the preparation cycle.
While the tournament fixtures have yet to begin, internal expectations are high, with both players and coaching staff aware of the pressure to deliver a strong performance on North American soil.
For Faé, the Canada Shield represents not only a chance to test tactical approaches but also a critical opportunity to assess player form and depth ahead of upcoming continental and global competitions.
The Elephants’ presence in Toronto has already drawn interest from local fans and members of the Ivorian diaspora, many of whom are expected to turn out in support once match play begins.
The team’s stay in Canada will include a series of training matches and closed-door friendlies to help sharpen readiness and ensure match-day preparedness.
As the squad continues to train in the days ahead, all eyes will be on how Faé shapes his lineup and adapts his tactical vision to the evolving demands of international competition.
With full attendance expected by Wednesday, the focus now shifts to execution and performance on the training ground.
The Canada Shield serves as a significant platform for Ivory Coast to assert its strength outside the African continent, and this training camp in Toronto marks the beginning of what the team hopes will be a successful campaign.
