Ivory Coast coach Reynald Pedros eyes 2027 Women’s World Cup qualification

Ivory Coast head coach Reynald Pedros has outlined his team’s ambitious objectives at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, insisting that the Elephants are determined to go as far as possible in the tournament and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The Ivorian women’s national team has made an encouraging start to its continental campaign, raising expectations among supporters and strengthening belief within the squad that a historic achievement could be within reach.

After opening their Group B campaign with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso, the Elephants have emerged as one of the early teams to watch in the competition. The convincing performance not only earned them three valuable points but also demonstrated the attacking quality and confidence that Pedros hopes will carry the team deep into the tournament.

Speaking to French newspaper L’Equipe, the former Morocco and Lyon coach revealed that World Cup qualification remains the primary objective for his side.

Pedros explained that while the immediate focus is on progressing from a highly competitive group, the team’s ambitions extend much further than simply reaching the knockout stages.

According to the French tactician, the first target is to navigate a difficult group phase and book a place in the quarter-finals, a stage that has historically proven challenging for many African nations.

“Firstly, to get out of this tightly contested group and reach the quarter-finals. We know this stage is always difficult, as was the case for Ghana in the 2024 edition, for example,” Pedros said.

The coach, however, made it clear that Ivory Coast’s ultimate goal is to reach the semi-finals, a feat that would guarantee qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

“But the aim is to reach the semi-finals to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil,” he added.

For Ivory Coast, qualifying for the global tournament would represent a major milestone in the development of women’s football in the country. It would also reward years of investment and progress aimed at making the national team a consistent force on the African stage.

The Elephants have shown significant improvement in recent years, and the arrival of Pedros has helped raise expectations even further. The experienced French coach, who previously enjoyed success in women’s football at club and international levels, has brought a clear tactical identity and a winning mentality to the team.

Attention now turns to Ivory Coast’s crucial Group B encounter against defending champions South Africa at the Medina Stadium. The match is expected to be one of the most important fixtures of the group stage and could have a significant impact on the final standings.

Despite his team’s positive start to the tournament, Pedros is under no illusions about the challenge awaiting his players.

The Frenchman acknowledged the quality and experience of the South African side, describing them as one of the strongest teams in the competition and genuine contenders for the title.

“They’ll be a tough opponent, as they’re among the tournament favourites,” Pedros said.

The Ivory Coast coach went on to praise Banyana Banyana’s technical abilities and tactical discipline, highlighting the qualities that have made them one of Africa’s most respected women’s teams.

“They have technical quality, particularly in their passing. They’re a patient side, with a solid attacking game and plenty of movement.”

South Africa arrive at the contest with the reputation of being one of the continent’s elite teams, having established themselves among Africa’s leading forces in recent years through consistent performances at both continental and global tournaments.

For Ivory Coast, however, the clash presents an opportunity to measure themselves against one of the best teams in Africa and further demonstrate their credentials as serious contenders.

A positive result against South Africa would significantly boost the Elephants’ chances of advancing to the knockout rounds and strengthen their belief that a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup is achievable.

With confidence high following their opening victory and a clear objective set by their coach, the Ivorian women are approaching the tournament with determination and optimism. The road to Brazil remains long and challenging, but under Pedros’ guidance, the Elephants are dreaming of making history and establishing themselves among the elite teams in African women’s football.