Ivory Coast World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Emerse Fae

Wilfried Zaha left out

The former Crystal Palace winger was not included and his omission came as no real surprise given his limited recent form and the quality of options available. Emerse Fae has gone with youth and pace over experience. Zaha was a significant figure in Ivory Coast football for years and his service deserves recognition. But this squad is built around what comes next, not what has been. The decision is made and Fae will back his younger players to deliver.

Sebastien Haller also absent

The Borussia Dortmund striker has had an injury disrupted few years since his incredible cancer recovery story and did not make the cut. When Haller is fit and firing he is one of the most complete centre forwards in European football. But the fitness concerns were too significant for Fae to take the gamble. The forwards who are here — Amad Diallo, Simon Adingra, Nicolas Pepe — are all capable of filling the void in different ways.

Amad Diallo leads the attack

Manchester United's most exciting player this season. Direct, quick and capable of moments of real quality. At 23 this World Cup could make him a global name. Amad has earned this through consistent Premier League performances that have turned him from a promising talent into a genuine match winner. He has the pace to hurt any defence in behind and the technical ability to create chances from nothing. If Ivory Coast go deep in this tournament, Amad will be the reason.

Simon Adingra is the other one to watch

Brighton's winger has been outstanding in the Premier League and at 22 he is one of the most exciting young forwards in African football. Adingra is the kind of player who improves every team he plays in — intelligent movement, sharp finishing and an ability to get past defenders that makes him a constant threat. Paired with Amad in attack, Ivory Coast have two of the most exciting wide forwards at the entire tournament.

Nicolas Pepe gets a recall

The former Arsenal winger has been without a club but Fae has given him a chance to remind the world what he can do. A left-field pick that could either be genius or a gamble. When Pepe is at his best he is one of the most dangerous attackers in European football — explosive, direct and capable of scoring spectacular goals. Whether he can recapture that form at a World Cup without a club behind him is the question. Fae clearly thinks the risk is worth taking.

Group E — Germany, Ecuador and Curacao

Germany will be too strong. But the battle with Ecuador for second place is very winnable and Ivory Coast have the attacking quality to edge it. Ecuador are solid and experienced but they do not have the pace or creativity that Ivory Coast possess in attack. Fae needs his team to be organised and disciplined when Germany are on the ball, then to turn loose Amad and Adingra in the spaces that will open up. If they get it right, second place in Group E is there for the taking.

Ange-Yoan Bonny — the nationality switch story

The Inter Milan forward switched nationality from France to Ivory Coast and FIFA approved it just in time. Born in France, eligible through his Ivorian parents, he adds a different dimension to their attack. At 21 and playing for Inter Milan he is one of the more intriguing inclusions in any squad at this tournament. Fae has faith in his quality and his flexibility. A player who can operate across the front line and come off the bench to change games.

Who is in Ivory Coast's World Cup 2026 squad?

Emerse Fae named a 26-man Ivory Coast squad for World Cup 2026. Amad Diallo leads the attack alongside Simon Adingra, Nicolas Pepe and Jonathan Bamba. Franck Kessie and Seko Fofana anchor the midfield. Yahia Fofana is in goal.

Is Wilfried Zaha in Ivory Coast's World Cup 2026 squad?

No. Wilfried Zaha was not included. Emerse Fae went with youth and pace, and Zaha's limited recent form meant he did not make the cut.

Is Amad Diallo in Ivory Coast's World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes. Amad Diallo leads the attack. The Manchester United winger is 23 and his consistent Premier League performances earned him a key role in Fae's squad.

What group are Ivory Coast in at World Cup 2026?

Ivory Coast are in Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador and Curacao. Germany will top the group but the battle with Ecuador for second place is very much within Ivory Coast's reach.

Who is Ivory Coast's manager at World Cup 2026?

Emerse Fae is Ivory Coast's manager at World Cup 2026. He has built a young, attack-minded squad designed to be dangerous on the counter and in behind defences.