By Vincent Obi
Abidjan, June 6, 2024 – It’s been exactly 10 years since recently crowned African champions, Cote d’Ivoire, competed in the FIFA World Cup.
The Elephants, as the three-time African champions are affectionately known have three FIFA World Cup appearances to their name – Germany 2006, South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014, all ending in the group stages.
Fresh from lifting the holy grail of African football on home soil, confidence is high in the west African giants’ camp as they prepare to resume their FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign in Match Days 3 and 4 this week.
The Elephants, who lead the pack in Group F welcome Gabon to Korhogo on Friday, 7 June, before travelling to Malawi where they will be away to Kenya on Tuesday, 11 June, currently top with two opening wins over Seychelles and The Gambia.
Having missed out on Russia 2018 and the recent Qatar 2022 where the African flag was hoisted high by Morocco’s semi-final finish, all eyes will be on the African champions as one of the favourites to not only qualify, but represent Africa strongly against the best in the world.
The new look Elephants side under the tutelage of Ivorian legend, Emerse Fae, who turned his nation’s fortunes around in what was almost a dismal showing at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, made a strong start to the qualifiers last year with commanding wins over Seychelles and The Gambia that see them top the group.
With the FIFA World Cup now expanded to 48 nations and Africa being guaranteed nine spots and a play-off opportunity, the reigning African champions will be looking at making a strong return to the global showpiece.
Exciting talent such as Simon Adingra and experienced campaigners such as Sébastian Haller and Seko Fofana will also be looking at continuing with their rich vein of form in national colours.
Here are their schedules –
Friday, 7 June
Cote d’Ivoire vs Gabon
Tuesday, 11 June
Kenya v Cote d’Ivoire.
