Ivory Coast

Profile

The Elephants return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014, still riding an extraordinary wave of momentum from their dramatic home AFCON triumph in 2024 — a competition they won after needing to be rescued from the group stage. Under Emerse Faé they have become one of Africa's most physically imposing and technically complete sides, blending domestic talent with European-based stars. Sébastien Haller has rebuilt his career from testicular cancer to become a reliable No. 9. Franck Kessié brings Champions League experience and ferocious physical presence from Saudi Arabia. Simon Adingra, who lit up the Premier League with Brighton before moving to Sunderland, provides the explosive pace and directness from wide that makes Ivory Coast terrifying in transitions. They fear nobody in Group E and will approach the Germany match with the confidence of AFCON champions who have already beaten the odds twice in recent memory.

Ivory Coast fixtures

Players to watch

• Sébastien Haller

  Forward · Utrecht

  One of football's most inspiring stories, Haller overcome testicular cancer during his time at Borussia Dortmund to return and become a Champions League goalscorer. His powerful presence, aerial ability and intelligent movement in the penalty area give Ivory Coast a reliable focal point and an emotional leader who has overcome everything.

• Franck Kessié

  Midfielder · Al Ahli

  A physically dominant box-to-box midfielder who has won the Champions League with Barcelona and Serie A with AC Milan, Kessié brings elite tournament pedigree. His ability to dominate the physical battles in midfield and contribute goals from set pieces and long range makes him one of Africa's most complete midfielders.

• Simon Adingra

  Forward · Sunderland

  An electric winger who was Ivory Coast's hero at AFCON 2024 with match-winning performances, Adingra combines dribbling pace with an increasingly reliable end product. His directness and ability to take on defenders at full speed make him one of the most exciting wide players in African football and a constant danger.

Group E table