WAFCON 2026: Ivory Coast begin preparations ahead of tournament in August

Ivory Coast has commenced preparations ahead of the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.

As the tournament approaches, head coach Reynald Pedros has named a 37-player squad for a 16-day training camp.

The extended camp marks the first major phase of preparation for the continental tournament, with players reporting to camp on Thursday, 25 June. The session will run until 11 July, giving the technical staff an opportunity to assess the squad in detail and build cohesion ahead of the competition.

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August, and Ivory Coast are determined to arrive in strong physical and tactical condition as they aim to make a competitive impact on the tournament.

Pedros has opted for a large provisional squad of 37 players, a decision designed to maximise competition for places while also allowing the coaching staff to evaluate depth across all positions before final squad selection.

The training camp is expected to focus heavily on fitness conditioning, tactical organisation, and strengthening team chemistry, as Ivory Coast look to build a unified and resilient squad capable of competing against Africa’s elite.

According to the technical team, the objective of this first phase is not only to improve physical readiness but also to enhance understanding of the coach’s tactical demands and playing philosophy.

The Ivory Coast women’s national team enters the tournament with ambitions of progressing beyond the group stage and establishing themselves as a growing force in African women’s football.

Pedros and his staff will gradually reduce the squad size closer to the start of the competition, with performances during the training camp expected to play a key role in final selection decisions.

As preparations continue, the focus remains on building intensity, sharpening match fitness, and ensuring the team is fully prepared for the demanding schedule ahead in Morocco.