Ivory Coast’s national team is close to assembling its full squad in Rabat as preparations intensify for the crucial fifth and sixth rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
With just days remaining before their fixtures against Burundi and Gambia, the Elephants welcomed another group of players on Monday, March 17, 2025, at their base at the Four Seasons Hotel in Morocco. However, four players are still yet to join the camp.
Squad Gathers as Training Begins
Coach Emerse Faé led the team’s first training session on Monday with the players already in camp.
The session focused on refining tactics and sharpening the squad’s approach for the upcoming qualifiers, where Ivory Coast aims to solidify its position in the race for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
From the 23-man squad called up for international duty, four players have yet to report to camp.
Goalkeeper Sangaré Badra Ali, defender Evan N’Dicka, and midfielders Koné Mohamed and Mohammed Diomandé Baba are expected to join the group between Monday evening and Tuesday, March 18.
Their arrivals will complete the squad, allowing for full preparation ahead of the upcoming encounters.
Faé Looks to Build on AFCON Success
Emerse Faé enters these qualifiers in high spirits, having been named Africa’s Coach of the Year at the ANOCA Elective General Assembly in Algiers on Sunday, March 16.
The recognition comes as a reward for his outstanding leadership in guiding Ivory Coast to their AFCON 2023 triumph.
While the accolade further cements his reputation, it also raises expectations as he leads the Elephants into these decisive matches.
The coming days will be crucial as Ivory Coast fine-tunes its strategy, looking to maintain momentum and take another step closer to securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
