World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast squad featuring Nicolas Pépé

The Ivory Coast unveiled its squad for the 2026 World Cup this Friday. A few weeks before the global tournament hosted in North America, coach Emerse Faé has opted for a blend of experience and freshness to try to take the Elephants as far as possible. Placed in Group E with Germany, Ecuador and Curaçao, the Ivorian team carries high ambitions for this 2026 World Cup.

Among the main satisfactions of this list is the return of Nicolas Pépé. After a convincing season with Villarreal CF, the former Arsenal player returns to the squad after having missed the CAN 2025. His attacking profile and his ability to make a difference could provide valuable solutions for the Elephants. In attack, Elye Wahi is also rewarded after a successful end to the season with OGC Nice. He will reinforce an attacking line already composed of Simon Adingra, Amad Diallo or Evann Guessand.

In midfield, the Seko Fofana – Franck Kessié duo will anchor the team’s spine, betting on physical impact and the experience of big matches. Ibrahim Sangaré and Jean-Michaël Seri also bring solid guarantees in central midfield. In defense, Ousmane Diomandé, Evan Ndicka and Wilfried Singo will have the heavy responsibility of stabilizing the Ivorian backline. Several notable absences have, however, drawn attention, notably those of Sébastien Haller, Christopher Opéri, Yann Gboho, or Martial Godo, all left out of the squad for this World Cup campaign.

The Ivory Coast’s complete squad:

Goalkeepers: Yaya 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-Michael Séri.

Forwards: Simon Adingra, Ange-Yoan Bonny, Amad Diallo, Oumar Diakhité, Yann Diomandé, Evann Guessand, Nicolas Pépé, Bazoumana Touré, Elye Wahi.