Ivory Coast have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after securing an emphatic 3-0 win over Kenya in their final qualifying match staged at the Stade Olympique Alassane Outtara on Tuesday night.
Goals from Frank Kessié, Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo sealed victory for the hosts who ended their ten-year for World Cup qualification with their last appearance coming in 2014.
How did Ivory Coast qualify for 2026 World Cup?
The match kicked off with a balanced midfield contest, as Alpha Onyango led Kenya’s engine room while Frank Kessié marshaled proceedings for Ivory Coast. Both sides started cautiously, probing for early openings.
The first real chance came in the 5th minute when Amad Diallo beat Mansur Okwaro on the flank before squaring to Nicolas Pépé, whose cross deflected into Diallo’s path. The Manchester United forward’s effort beat goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, but Sylvester Owino made a heroic goal-line clearance to keep Kenya in the game.
Two minutes later, the pressure paid off. Amad Diallo once again outpaced Okwaro and set up captain Frank Kessié, who calmly slotted home to give the Elephants a 1-0 lead in the 7th minute.
Ivory Coast continued to pile on the pressure, forcing the Kenyan backline into mistakes. In the 9th minute, a goalmouth scramble nearly produced a second before Omondi came to Kenya’s rescue in a one-on-one situation.
Diallo and Pépé kept tormenting Kenya’s right side, and in the 18th minute, Pépé’s curling free kick found Evan Ndicka, whose header went just inches wide.
Kenya’s attempt on the counter was cut short in the 24th minute when Daniel Sakari’s misplaced pass gifted possession to Ndicka, who released Oumar Diomande. The youngster fed Pépé, but the forward’s effort hit the side netting.
Despite some defensive resilience from Collins Sichenje and Sylvester Owino,the Elephants remained dominant. In the 30th minute, Ibrahim Sangaré intercepted a pass and found Pépé again, but his shot was deflected for a corner.
Kenya tried to hit on the counter but couldn’t make their transitions count, as Diallo’s fierce effort later flew just over the bar.
The first half ended with Ivory Coast holding a deserved 1-0 lead, after Pépé’s late free kick went high off target.
At halftime, Benni McCarthy made tactical changes, bringing on Job Ochieng’ for Alphonce Omija and Adam Wilson for Alpha Onyango, signaling an attacking intent. The impact was immediate, as Ochieng’ forced Agbadou into a corner early in the second half.
However, Ivory Coast struck again in the 54th minute. A clever through ball from Kouadio Koné found Diomande, who unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box to beat Omondi and make it 2-0, registering his second goal in as many qualifier appearances.
McCarthy responded by substituting captain Michael Olunga, replacing him with Duke Abuya of Yanga SC. Ivory Coast also made changes, introducing Sebastian Haller and Simon Adingra for Diomande and Evan, respectively.
Kenya later brought on Austine Odhiambo and Marine Nabwire for William Lenkupae and Timothy Ouma in the 80th minute, but the Elephants remained in full control.
The final blow came late in the game when Collins Sichenje fouled Sebastian Haller at the edge of the box. Amad Diallo stepped up and curled in a stunning free kick to make it 3-0, sealing a comprehensive win for Ivory Coast and marking the winger’s second international goal.
The result leaves finishing the Qualifiers fourth on the log with Ivory Coast qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as The Gambia who finish second in the group qualify for the Play-Offs.