Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae has named the final squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers against Seychelles and Kenya as they chase their fourth appearance at the prestigious global tournament, having previously featured in 2006, 2010 and 2014.
The Elephants are scheduled to play against Seychelles in Mauritius on Friday, October 15, before hosting the Harambee Stars at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Tuesday, October 14.
The star-studded squad features big names primarily from the top five leagues in the world, with zero players from the local league and only one from the African leagues – Yanga SC dangerman Pacome Zouzoua, who is one of the four midfielders called up alongside Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré and Seko Fofana.
2023 Africa Cup of Nations Young Player of the Tournament Simon Adingra, now at Sunderland, is a notable inclusion, as well as the return of Manchester United Winger Amad Diallo after more than a year on the sidelines.
The Elephants will be banking on the impressive Nicolas Pépé, who has rediscovered his form with four attacking returns in nine matches this season, including a Man of the Match performance in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night against Juventus.
Fae has also handed a first call-up to 18-year-old RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.
Ivory Coast currently leads Group F with 20 points, one ahead of second-placed Gabon after eight matches and will face the mathematically eliminated Seychelles and Kenya in back-to-back final round qualifier matches.
Only the group winners will be guaranteed an automatic ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
Ivory Coast name final squad for last two qualifiers
