Haller, Gbamin return as Côte d'Ivoire name squad for World Cup qualifiers

Sebastien Haller has been recalled to the Côte d'Ivoire squad for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Gambia after missing the last three international windows.

The Borussia Dortmund striker, currently on loan at FC Utrecht, had been absent from the national team setup due to injuries and fitness concerns.

His return bolsters a strong attacking lineup as the Elephants seek to extend their lead at the top of their qualifying group.

Another major inclusion is midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who last played for the national team in March 2023.

Now at FC Zurich, Gbamin is back in the squad, taking advantage of the absence of the injured Jean Michaël Seri.

Ibrahim Sangaré also returns to the squad after missing the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations. The Nottingham Forest midfielder steps in for Seko Fofana, who has been left out due to fitness concerns. 

According to coach Emerse Faé, the decision was reached by "mutual agreement" as the midfielder continues to recover from recent physical setbacks.

The squad also features a first-ever senior call-up for 23-year-old Clément Akpa, the versatile AJ Auxerre left-back who has previously represented the country at U23 level.

Manchester United’s Amad Diallo and Galatasaray winger Wilfried Zaha remain absent, with Diallo ruled out due to injury.

Zaha, who recently joined MLS club Charlotte FC, has yet to feature under Faé.

Genoa’s Maxwel Cornet, despite his strong performances in Serie A, has not been recalled, while Reims forward Oumar Diakité retains his place despite struggling for club form.

The squad includes familiar names such as Franck Kessié, Simon Adingra, Wilfried Singo and Evan Ndicka, , all of whom played crucial roles in Côte d'Ivoire’s AFCON-winning campaign.

The Elephants currently sit atop their World Cup qualifying group, holding a one-point lead over Gabon.

Côte d'Ivoire Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana, Mohamed Koné, Ali Badra

Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou, Clément Akpa, Willy Boly, Ousmane Diomandé, Guéla Doué, Evan Ndicka , Hassane Kamara, Wilfried Singo

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

Forwards: Simon Adingra, Vakoun Bayo, Oumar Diakité, Evann Guessand, Jean Krasso, Nicolas Pépé, Benié Traoré, Sébastien Haller

Upcoming Fixtures:

Burundi vs Côte d'Ivoire – March 22, 19:00 GMT, Stade de Meknès, Morocco
Côte d'Ivoire vs Gambia – March 26, 19:00 GMT, Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan