Ivory Coast star Sebastien Haller hints at international retirement

Ivory Coast international Sebastien Haller has said that missing out on the Elephants squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup could bring his international career to an end.

Haller has endured a frustrating period with the national team in recent time. He missed out on the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco due to injury before also being left out during the most recent international break.

Despite the setbacks, Haller remains determined to fight for a return to the Elephants squad ahead of this summer’s global tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

As Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé prepares to announce his final squad for the World Cup, the experienced striker acknowledged that his fate now lies entirely in the hands of the manager.

“I’m expecting anything. I’m giving it 10,000% to be there; after that, it’s up to the manager to make his choices,” Haller said

“I haven’t been selected for quite some time, which makes my inclusion uncertain,” he added.

Haller then delivered an emotional statement regarding what another omission could mean for his international career.

“If I’m not selected, there will be a lot of disappointment and frustration, and I won’t be far from the end of my international career.”

The striker’s comments reflect the difficult moment he currently faces as he attempts to regain his place in an increasingly competitive Ivory Coast squad.

Haller has been an important figure for the Elephants over the years, bringing experience, physical presence and goals to the national team setup. His leadership qualities and ability to perform in major matches have previously made him one of Ivory Coast’s most reliable attacking options.

The former Ajax and Borussia Dortmund forward has also overcome significant personal and professional challenges in recent seasons, making his determination to return to the international stage even more remarkable.

However, competition for attacking places within the Ivory Coast squad has intensified under Faé, with several younger forwards emerging strongly in recent months.

That reality has left Haller facing a tense wait as the countdown to the World Cup continues.

For many Ivorian supporters, the striker remains a respected figure whose experience could still prove valuable on football’s biggest stage.

Whether Faé decides to include him or move in a different direction will become clear once the final squad announcement is made, but Haller has already made one thing evident — he is still fully committed to representing his country if given the opportunity.