Diallo, Adingra, and Pépé headline Cote d'Ivoire's 2026 World Cup squad

Cote d'Ivoire coach Emerse Faé has named a strong and experienced squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the return of Nicolas Pépé among the major talking points ahead of the tournament in the United States.

The Elephants head into the global showpiece carrying growing expectations after their recent resurgence under Faé, who has opted for a blend of established stars and emerging young talent for the tournament.

The Ivorians have been drawn in a challenging Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador and Curaçao, with Faé targeting a strong run on the world stage.

Among the headline inclusions is Pépé, who returns to the national team after missing the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The winger impressed during the European season with Villarreal CF and is expected to add creativity, pace and experience to Ivory Coast’s attack.

Faé has also rewarded Elye Wahi following an impressive finish to the season with OGC Nice. The striker’s inclusion adds further firepower to an already dangerous frontline featuring Simon Adingra, Amad Diallo and Evann Guessand.

The midfield will once again revolve around the experience and leadership of Franck Kessié and Seko Fofana, while Ibrahim Sangaré and Jean Michaël Seri provide additional depth and composure in central areas.

Defensively, Faé has retained the core that has helped stabilise the team in recent campaigns. Evan Ndicka, Odilon Kossounou, Wilfried Singo and Ousmane Diomandé are all included as Ivory Coast prepare to face some of the world’s strongest attacking sides.

In goal, Faé has selected Yahia Fofana, Mohamed Koné and Alban Lafont as his options between the posts.

The squad reflects Faé’s intention to balance youthful energy with proven international experience as Cote d'Ivoire attempt to make a major impact at the tournament.

Cote d'Ivoire squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers:
Yahia Fofana, Mohamed Koné, Alban Lafont

Defenders:
Emmanuel Agbadou, Clément Akpa, Ousmane Diomandé, Guéla 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 Diakhité, Yann Diomandé, Evann Guessand, Nicolas Pépé, Bazoumana Touré, Elye Wahi