World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Emerse Faé Reveals Ivory Coast Squad

Coach Emerse Faé officially unveiled on Monday, March 10, 205 the Ivory Coast squad for the 5th and 6th qualifying rounds of the 2026 World Cup against Burundi and Gambia.

As expected, the Ivory Coast coach appeared at a press conference this afternoon to announce the names of the Elephants called up to face Burundi and Gambia on March 21 and 24, respectively. Emerse Faé has selected a squad of 23 players.

Emerse Faé Calls Up Top Two African Scorers in French Ligue 1

For the matches against Burundi and Gambia, coach Emerse Faé has called up Evann Guessand from Nice and Hamed Junior Traoré from AJ Auxerre. These are the top two African scorers in Ligue 1 after the 25th matchday, which concluded this Sunday, March 9. The two Ivorian players currently have 10 goals each in the French top flight. An asset for the Ivorian squad in these two rounds of World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Emerse Faé Calls Up Simon Adingra Despite Brighton

Since the beginning of the season, little has been heard about Simon Adingra. The Ivorian striker has scored only two goals for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League after 19 appearances. While criticism is rife about his situation and reduced playing time at the club, Emerse Faé has nonetheless decided to call up the 23-year-old player for the Elephants' gathering during the international break. This could boost and reignite Adingra for the rest of the Premier League season.

Here is the complete Ivory Coast squad against Burundi and Gambia

Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana, Mohamed Koné, Sangaré Badra Ali

Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou, Clément Akpa, Willy Bolly, Ousmane Diomandé, Guela Doué, Assane Camara, and Evan N’Dicka

Midfielders: Jean-Eudes Aholou, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, and Hamed Junior Traoré

Forwards: Simon Adingra, Bayo Vakoun, Oumar Diakité, Jean-Philippe Krasso, Sébastien Haller, and Nicolas Pépé

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.