## Ivory Coast’s Preparations for 2026 World Cup
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins, the Ivory Coast national football team is gearing up with a crucial preparation phase. In just 85 days, the Elephants will kick off their campaign, leading to a pivotal set of friendly matches against South Korea and Scotland. Coach Emerse Faé has released the official list of 25 players who will represent the nation in these important outings.
### Elye Wahi: A Promising Addition
One of the most exciting news from the squad announcement is the inclusion of Elye Wahi, marking his first call-up with the Elephants. The young striker, currently plying his trade at Nice, has previously represented France at youth levels but will now don the jersey of his country of origin. This decision highlights a growing trend of players reconnecting with their roots on the international stage. Wahi joins Strasbourg players Guela Doué and Martial Godo, who is also seeing his first call-up thanks to an impressive start to the 2026 season.
### Notable Omissions: Nicolas Pépé
In contrast to the positive news surrounding Wahi, the absence of Nicolas Pépé has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Already dropped during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) for controversial remarks made in a video with content creator Just Riadh, Pépé’s recent terse comments have led to his continued exclusion from the squad. This situation underlines the importance of maintaining a positive public persona, especially when representing a national team.
### A Glimpse at the Full Squad
Coach Faé’s list comprises a balanced selection, reflecting both experience and youthful exuberance. Here’s a breakdown of the squad:
#### Goalkeepers
– Yahia Fofana
– Mohamed Koné
– Alban Lafont
#### Defenders
– Emmanuel Agbadou
– Clément Akpa
– Ousmane Diomandé
– Guela Doué
– Ghislain Konan
– Odilon Kossounou
– Evan Ndicka
– Wilfried Singo
#### Midfielders
– Séko Fofana
– Franck Kessié
– Perfect Guiagon
– Christ Oulaï
– Ibrahim Sangaré
– Jean-Mickaël Seri
#### Attackers
– Simon Adingra
– Amad Diallo
– Yan Diomandé
– Martial Godo
– Evann Guessand
– Bazoumana Touré
– Bénie Traoré
– Elye Wahi
This selection is a testament to the depth of talent available to the Ivory Coast, blending seasoned professionals with up-and-coming players who could shine on the world stage.
### Looking Ahead
As the Elephants prepare for their friendly matches against South Korea on March 28 and Scotland on March 31, all eyes will be on Elye Wahi and how he integrates into a team filled with potential. The upcoming games are not only a chance to fine-tune strategies ahead of the World Cup but also an opportunity to build team chemistry and lay the groundwork for a strong tournament performance.
The mixture of experience and youth in the squad presents a promising outlook for the Ivory Coast as they aim to make their mark in the 2026 World Cup. With the absence of Pépé and the emergence of new talent, the team is poised for an exciting transformation. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how this unfolds in the lead-up to the prestigious tournament.