Elephants of Ivory Coast: Opponents, ambitions and assets ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Ivory Coast returns to the World Cup after missing the 2018 and 2022 editions. Placed in Group E, they will face Germany, Ecuador, and Curaçao. The team, coached by Emerse Faé, relies on a young squad averaging 25.8 years, with talents like Yan Diomandé (12 goals in the Bundesliga), Bazoumana Touré, and Inao Oulai. The Elephants aim to advance past the group stage for the first time, aided by the new 48-team format.