2026 World Cup: Franck Kessié, the anchor point of the Ivorian national team

20.06.26 FT World Cup

Germany

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Ivory Coast

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If there is one player who serves as the anchor point of the Ivorian national team, it has to be Franck Kessié. The midfielder has displayed remarkable consistency with the Elephants.

Regarded as one of the key figures at Emerse Faé’s disposal, the 29-year-old midfielder was once again in the starting lineup on Sunday against Ecuador in the World Cup. It’s a natural choice for the man who has worn the captain’s armband since March 2023.

The Al-Ahli Saudi player contributed to his team’s fine victory over Ecuador (1-0) thanks to a late goal by Amad Diallo. This win allowed the Ivorians to take second place in Group E, currently led by Germany, who demolished Curaçao (7-1).

World Cup 2026: The official and complete group stage schedule

With this match, the former Barcelona man made his 25th consecutive appearance for the Elephants in major competitions, including both AFCON and the World Cup. He hasn’t missed a single game since AFCON 2017.

Franck Kessié’s impressive run with Côte d’Ivoire:

2017 Africa Cup of Nations

• 24/01/2017: Côte d'Ivoire – Morocco (0-1)

• 20/01/2017: Côte d'Ivoire – DR Congo (2-2)

• 16/01/2017: Côte d'Ivoire – Togo (0-0)

2019 Africa Cup of Nations

• 11/07/2019: Côte d'Ivoire – Algeria (1-1, 4-5 pens)

• 08/07/2019: Côte d'Ivoire – Mali (1-0)

• 01/07/2019: Côte d'Ivoire – Namibia (4-1)

• 28/06/2019: Côte d'Ivoire – Morocco (0-1)

• 24/06/2019: Côte d'Ivoire – South Africa (1-0)

2022 Africa Cup of Nations

• 26/01/2022: Côte d'Ivoire – Egypt (0-0, 4-5 pens)

• 20/01/2022: Côte d'Ivoire – Algeria (3-1)

• 16/01/2022: Côte d'Ivoire – Sierra Leone (2-2)

• 12/01/2022: Côte d'Ivoire – Equatorial Guinea (0-1)

2024 Africa Cup of Nations

• 11/02/2024: Côte d'Ivoire – Nigeria (2-1)

• 07/02/2024: Côte d'Ivoire – DR Congo (1-0)

• 03/02/2024: Côte d'Ivoire – Mali (2-1 after extra time)

• 29/01/2024: Côte d'Ivoire – Senegal (1-1, 5-4 pens)

• 22/01/2024: Côte d'Ivoire – Equatorial Guinea (0-4)

• 18/01/2024: Côte d'Ivoire – Nigeria (0-1)

• 13/01/2024: Côte d'Ivoire – Guinea-Bissau (2-0)

2025-2026 Africa Cup of Nations

• 10/01/2026: Côte d'Ivoire – Egypt (3-2)

• 06/01/2026: Côte d'Ivoire – Burkina Faso (0-3)

• 31/12/2025: Côte d'Ivoire – Gabon (2-3)

• 28/12/2025: Côte d'Ivoire – Cameroon (1-1)

• 24/12/2025: Côte d'Ivoire – Mozambique (0-1)

2026 World Cup

• 15/06/2026: Côte d'Ivoire – Ecuador (0-1)

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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