Ivory Coast Announces Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae's named strong 26 man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Burundi & Gambia.

Key Inclusions

Sebastien Haller who had been absent due to injuries and fitness concerns makes his long awaited return to the national team. The Borussia Dortmund striker currently on loan at FC Utrecht, bolsters the attacking line as the Elephants seek to solidify their position at the top of Group F.

Jean Philippe Gbamin who last played for the national team in Mar 2023, also returns, filling in for the injured Jean Michael Seri. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Sangare's back in the squad after missing the CAF Africa cup of nations.

Notable Absentees

Manchester United’s Amad Diallo & Galatasaray’s Wilfried Zaha remain sidelined due to injuries. Zaha now on loan at MLS side Charlotte FC, has yet to make appearance under Fae. Despite his strong form in Serie A, Maxwel Cornet was not included in the squad.

First Time Call Up

23 year old left back Clement Akpa of AJ Auxerre earns his 1st senior call up after impressing at the U23 level.

Group Standings

Ivory Coast currently leads Group F with 10 point from 4 match (3 wins, 1 draw). Gabon follows closely behind with 9 point, while Burundi & Kenya trail with 7 and 5 point, respectively.

Full 26 Man Squad

Goalkeepers:

• Yahia Fofana (Angers, France)
• Mohamed Koné (Adjamé, Abidjan)
• Ali Badra (AS Real Bamako, Mali)

Defenders:

• Emmanuel Agbadou (Wolverhampton, England)
• Clément Akpa (AJ Auxerre, France)
• Willy Boly (Nottingham Forest, England)
• Ousmane Diomandé (Sporting CP, Portugal)
• Guéla Doué (Strasbourg, France)
• Evan Ndicka (AS Roma, Italy)
• Hassane Kamara (Udinese Calcio, Italy)
• Wilfried Singo (AS Monaco, France)

Midfielders:

• Jean Aholou (Angers SCO, France)
• Jean-Philippe Gbamin (FC Zürich, Switzerland)
• Ibrahim Sangaré (Nottingham Forest, England)
• Franck Kessié (Al-Ahli Saudi, Saudi Arabia)
• Hamed Traoré (AJ Auxerre, France)

Forwards:

• Simon Adingra (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)
• Vakoun Bayo (Watford, England)
• Oumar Diakité (Stade de Reims, France)
• Evann Guessand (OGC Nice, France)
• Jean Krasso (Paris FC, France)
• Nicolas Pépé (Villarreal CF, Spain)
• Benié Traoré (FC Basel, Switzerland)
• Sébastien Haller (FC Utrecht, Netherlands)

With Haller back in the squad and strong lineup, the elephants will be confident as they prepare for 2 crucial fixtures.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.