Ivorian striker Sébastien Haller targets World Cup quarter-finals

Sébastien Haller believes Ivory Coast have no excuses not to make a deep run at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the striker insisting the Elephants should at least reach the quarter-finals.

The FC Utrecht forward also made clear that participating in the tournament remains one of his biggest personal objectives as he awaits the final squad selection from Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé.

“The World Cup is very important to me,” Haller told Voetbal International.

Reflecting on Ivory Coast’s failure to qualify for the 2022 edition, the striker admitted the disappointment still remains fresh in his mind and has increased his determination to feature this time around.

“It’s clear: I have to participate. I might be less motivated if I had known in advance that it wouldn’t be possible. We narrowly missed out on the 2022 World Cup, which was a huge disappointment. But now that we’ve qualified, my absolute goal is to participate as well.”

Faé is expected to announce his final squad on May 15, although Haller admitted he remains uncertain about his place in the team despite his ambitions for the tournament.

“Will I be on it? Good question, you’ll have to ask the coach, haha. Frankly, I have no idea. I wish him good luck, because we have a lot of good players. I have to make sure I’m in top form. For now, I’m happy and I feel good.”

The striker also outlined the expectations within the Ivorian camp, insisting the reigning AFCON champions should be aiming beyond simply reaching the knockout rounds.

“We must at least reach the quarter-finals. The group stage is never easy.”

Ivory Coast have been drawn alongside Germany, Ecuador and Curaçao in the group stage, and Haller acknowledged the challenge awaiting the Elephants.

“There’s no need to elaborate on Germany; they’re among the favorites. Ecuador is a formidable opponent physically; they rarely lose.

They absolutely must not be underestimated. As for Curaçao, almost all of their players play in the Dutch league, proof that they can also play football well. Otherwise, how could they qualify for the World Cup?”

Despite the difficult group, Haller remains confident Ivory Coast have the quality required to progress.

“With this format, where the third-placed team also qualifies for the next round, Ivory Coast absolutely has to go through.

Then we’ll have to show the world what we’re capable of. I’m speaking for myself, but if we don’t reach the quarterfinals, I won’t be satisfied. We have no excuses.”

“We’ve been playing together for a long time, we have the qualities and the level required. This isn’t about adding pressure, but simply a realistic assessment of the situation.

We didn’t win the Africa Cup of Nations for nothing. At the World Cup, we have to confirm our status.”