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Everybody loves to predict a dark horse that could shock and surprise ahead of the World Cup, and perhaps the Ivory Coast could be a contender for that tag.
A mixture of dangerous attackers and workhorses in midfield could be a winning combination in North America for the Elephants. Whilst not quite boasting the same level of talent as their 2006 squad - Kolo and Yaya Toure, Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, and Emmanuel Eboue - there are some notable names included for the 2026 tournament.
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo has impressed at times in the Premier League, whilst Yan Diomande is viewed as one of the biggest teenage talents playing in Europe. Germany will be expected to top Group E, but the Ivory Coast will expect to be in a straight shootout with Ecuador for the runners-up spot.
Ivory Coast World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana, Mohamed Koné, Alban Lafont
Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou, Clément Akpa, Ousmane Diomande, Guela Doué, Ghislain Konan, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka, Wilfried Singo
Midfielders: Seko Fofana, Parfait Guiagon, Christ Inao Oulaï, Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, Jean-Michaël Seri
Forwards: Simon Adingra, Ange-Yoan Bonny, Amad Diallo, Oumar Diakité, Yan Diomande, Evann Guessand, Nicolas Pépé, Bazoumana Touré, Elye Wahi
Ivory Coast World Cup fixtures
(all times BST)
Ivory Coast World Cup prediction
The Ivory Coast are no strangers to the World Cup, qualifying three times between 2006 and 2014. Absent for the last two editions, the Ivorians could benefit from the expansion to 48 teams. With FIFA sticking to groups of four, eight third-placed teams will advance from the 12 groups.
If newcomers Curacao end up being the whipping boys of Group G as expected, the Ivory Coast could be well positioned to advance from the pool stage. Their potential route will depend on whether they can best Ecuador, especially if Germany live up to their tag of favourites. With attacking talent and pace perfect for counter attacks, the Ivory Coast could be a dangerous opponent for any side in the knockouts. A deep run could be on the cards if they gain momentum in their first three fixtures.
Key player
This could be a breakthrough summer for Yan Diomande, who is carrying strong form into his debut World Cup. The 19-year-old only moved to Europe with Spanish second division outfit Leganes in January 2025, making the switch to RB Leipzig last summer.
€20 million proved to be a bargain for the winger, as Diomande grabbed 12 goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances. Diomande arrives at the World Cup with major tournament experience having been called up for the 2025 African Cup of Nations. With suitors such as Liverpool linked, there could be the motivation to impress on the biggest stage and earn a career-defining move.
Latest Ivory Coast World Cup odds
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