Sébastien Haller: “Playing at the 2026 World Cup is my absolute goal”

Ivory Coast international Sébastien Haller has sets his focus firmly on the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haller, who played a heroic role in his country’s triumphant 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on home soil, is now chasing what he describes as unfinished business on football’s biggest stage.

His journey with Ivory Coast has been defined by highs and lows. While he was instrumental in delivering continental glory in 2023, the forward also carries the painful memory of missing out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a failure that still lingers in his mind.

Speaking recently, the striker admitted that the disappointment of narrowly missing Qatar has become a powerful motivation heading into the next World Cup cycle.

“I have to be there,” Haller said with conviction, underlining his determination to secure a place in the squad for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The forward also reflected on the frustration of Ivory Coast’s previous near-miss on the global stage, stressing how costly those fine margins can be in international football.

“We narrowly missed out on the 2022 World Cup, which was a huge disappointment,” he explained. “But now that we’ve qualified, my absolute goal is to be there too.”

Haller’s words highlight not only his personal hunger but also the renewed ambition within the Ivory Coast setup as the reigning African champions prepare for another major test.

Despite recently missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the striker remains firmly focused on the future, determined to reclaim his place as one of the Elephants’ key attacking figures.

His story has already been one of resilience and inspiration. From overcoming a serious health battle earlier in his career to becoming a continental champion, Haller has consistently demonstrated mental strength and perseverance at the highest level.

Now, with the World Cup on the horizon, the forward is eager to add another defining chapter to his international legacy.

For Ivory Coast, his return to full form and fitness could prove vital as the team looks to compete against the world’s best once again.

As preparations continue, Haller’s message is clear: the disappointment of the past will not define him — instead, it fuels his mission to step onto the World Cup stage in 2026 and finally fulfil a dream that has eluded him so far.