Ivory Coast World Cup Qualifiers Lineup to Face Harambee Stars

Harambee Stars are preparing for a tough challenge against the reigning African champions, Ivory Coast, after the Elephants announced a powerful squad for this month’s World Cup qualifying matches.

Head coach Emerse Fae has unveiled his 23-man roster for the decisive round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with Manchester United winger Amad Diallo earning a recall. The Elephants are set for crucial back-to-back games against Seychelles and Kenya that will shape their qualification hopes in Group F.

Diallo, capped six times for his country, makes his return after nearly a year away from the national setup. His last outing came on September 10, 2023, when he featured as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Lesotho during the AFCON 2023 qualifiers. The 22-year-old’s inclusion adds extra firepower to an already impressive team.

Fae has also recalled several key figures, including Franck Kessie of Al-Ahli, Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare, and former Arsenal attacker Nicolas Pepe, now with Trabzonspor. Borussia Dortmund’s Sebastien Haller, who was instrumental in Ivory Coast’s AFCON triumph, is also back in the squad.

What Will Secure Ivory Coast a World Cup Spot?

The Elephants’ depth is further enhanced by young star Simon Adingra, who won the AFCON 2023 Best Young Player award, along with OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo and Monaco fullback Wilfried Singo.

Ivory Coast currently sit top of Group F with 20 points from eight matches, narrowly ahead of Gabon by a single point, with just two fixtures left to play. Only the group leader is guaranteed automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, meaning the Elephants must avoid any slip-ups.

If Fae’s men defeat Seychelles and Kenya, they will confirm their place at the global tournament, marking a return after missing out in 2018 and 2022 but featuring previously in 2006, 2010, and 2014.

The Elephants open their campaign against Seychelles on Friday, October 10. They previously demolished the island side 9-0 in the reverse fixture. Four days later, they face Kenya’s Harambee Stars, led by Benni McCarthy. The first meeting between the two sides ended in a goalless stalemate, setting up a high-stakes clash with World Cup dreams on the line.

Complete Ivory Coast Squad

Goalkeepers

• Fofana Yahia
• Koné Mohamed
• Lafont Alban

Defenders

• Agbadou Emmanuel
• Doué Guela
• Gbamin Jean-Philippe
• Konan Ghislain
• Kossounou Odilon
• Ndicka Evan
• Opéri Christopher
• Singo Wilfried

Midfielders

• Fofana Seko
• Kessié Franck
• Sangaré Ibrahim
• Zouzoua Pacôme

Forwards

• Adingra Simon
• Diakité Oumar
• Diallo Amad
• Dorgeles Nene
• Guessand Evann
• Haller Sébastien
• Pépé Nicolas
• Touré Bazoumana