Ivory Coast
FIFA World Cup 2026 · Group D · vs Germany, Ecuador, Curaçao
FIFA Rank
#38
WC Titles
—
WC Apps
3
Best Result
Group stage (2006, 2010, 2014)
Star Player
Sébastien Haller
About Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast, with its capital in Yamoussoukro and a population of 29 million, is known for cocoa production (world's largest), vibrant Abidjan nightlife, and music. Ivory Coast produces roughly 40% of the world's cocoa beans — meaning nearly half the world's chocolate starts here.
In football, the Les Éléphants are a 3-time World Cup participant with their best result being Group stage (2006, 2010, 2014). Their World Cup journey began in 2006, and they enter the 2026 tournament with Sébastien Haller as their talisman under head coach Emerse Faé. Ivory Coast won the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations as hosts, capping a dramatic late tournament turnaround after nearly being eliminated in the group stage.
SeatNav's Power Index rates Ivory Coast at 3.8 out of 10, ranking them #32 overall and classifying them as a determined underdog. In Group D, they face Germany, Ecuador, Curaçao in what has been categorized as a manageable group (difficulty 3/10).
The current Les Éléphants squad features 28 players, with the final 26-man World Cup roster to be announced in May 2026. Ivory Coast have 3 confirmed group stage matches scheduled across the tournament.
Ivory Coast supporters traveling to the 2026 World Cup can look forward to matches across multiple host cities in the United States. Follow SeatNav for ticket availability, venue guides, and match day information as the tournament approaches.
Key Player
Sébastien Haller
Les Éléphants · FIFA #38
Head Coach
Emerse Faé
Home: Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Group D Battle Preview
Head-to-head records against each group opponent
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Ivory Coast arrive as reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions after their dramatic 2024 triumph on home soil. Germany, four-time World Cup winners, are rebuilding under Julian Nagelsmann. The Elephants' recent 2-1 friendly win in Leverkusen proves they can compete at the highest level. This could be the group's most unpredictable match.
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Ecuador and Ivory Coast have met only once — a thrilling 3-2 friendly in Abidjan in 2013. Both nations are at a similar level: strong enough to qualify but not among the pre-tournament favorites. This could be the match that decides who joins Germany in the knockout rounds.
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Curaçao and Ivory Coast have never met, but share something profound: both are nations where football is the heartbeat of the culture. The AFCON champions against the World Cup debutants — a contrast in tournament experience that makes this fixture fascinating for neutrals.
View match preview →How Ivory Coast Qualified
Ivory Coast qualified through CAF African qualification as 2023 AFCON champions, led by a golden generation featuring some of Europe's most exciting talents.
Ivory Coast Tactical Identity
Under Emerse Faé, Ivory Coast bring a distinctive tactical approach to the 2026 World Cup. Les Éléphants will look to impose their style on group-stage opponents while managing the physical demands of the expanded tournament format.
SeatNav's Power Index rates Ivory Coast at 3.8/10 (ranked #32 overall), classifying them as an outside contender in the Underdog tier. Their strongest factor is squad depth while limited World Cup pedigree represents their biggest challenge.
2026 Tournament Outlook
Ivory Coast face a favorable on paper Group D draw against Germany, Ecuador, Curaçao. With the expanded 48-team format sending the top two from each group plus the best third-placed teams through to the Round of 32, Les Éléphants will be targeting a minimum of two victories to secure safe passage.
Ivory Coast will face Curaçao for the first time in competitive football, adding an element of unpredictability to the group dynamics.
Match Schedule
3 confirmed matches
Ivory Coast
Germany
CuraçaoGroup D
Top 2 advance. Best 3rd-place teams qualify for Round of 32.
Squad (28)
Current national team squad. Final World Cup roster announced May 2026.
Goalkeepers(3)
Defenders(10)
Midfielders(7)
Forwards(8)
Away Kit Preview
Group Stage Opponents
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Ivory Coast
Squad data via API-Football. Team colors are approximate. Final World Cup rosters announced May 2026. SeatNav is not affiliated with FIFA. Profile: 442 words.