The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has confirmed that head coach Emerse Faé will reveal his latest squad selection on Friday, 23 May, during a press conference to be broadcast via the federation’s official Facebook page.
The announcement comes ahead of a key international window during which the Elephants are set to participate in a friendly tournament in Toronto. Ivory Coast will face New Zealand and hosts Canada at BMO Field on 7 and 10 June, respectively.
The matches are part of the team’s strategic preparations ahead of critical fixtures later this year, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the defence of their continental title at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
As anticipation builds, focus has turned to several players whose recent club performances have sparked debate among fans and analysts. Chief among them is Oumar Diakité, the young forward currently with Stade de Reims.
Despite being viewed as a personal favourite of Faé, Diakité’s form has come under scrutiny. Since November, he has struggled to secure consistent playing time and has failed to find the back of the net, raising questions over his inclusion in the upcoming squad.
Diakité’s situation exemplifies the broader selection dilemma facing Faé as he balances loyalty, form, and future planning. With public expectations high following Ivory Coast’s successful campaign earlier this year, the pressure is mounting on the national team coach to assemble a squad capable of building on recent triumphs while laying a solid foundation for upcoming challenges.
The friendly matches in Canada offer Faé a valuable opportunity to test combinations, evaluate fringe players, and sharpen tactical cohesion ahead of the more competitive fixtures to follow.
For some, it may be a final chance to prove their worth before the resumption of World Cup qualification matches later this year.
The upcoming squad announcement is also expected to shed light on the future roles of several other players currently in uncertain situations.
As Faé shapes his core group for what will be a demanding period of international football, his decisions on Friday may set the tone for the months ahead.
Ivory Coast, crowned African champions earlier this year on home soil, are determined to maintain momentum as they prepare to defend their title in Morocco in 2025.
The Toronto friendlies will serve as both a testing ground and a showcase, giving fans and observers alike a glimpse of what the next chapter under Faé’s leadership might look like.
With just days remaining until the official reveal, speculation continues to swirl regarding new faces, possible returns, and who may be left out. One thing is certain: the stakes are high, and the journey toward further glory begins with the choices made this week.
