Ivory Coast name 23-man squad for October World Cup qualifiers

Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé names 23 man squad for their final 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The reigning African champions face Seychelles on October 10 in Mauritius and host Kenya in Abidjan at Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium on October 14.

Pacôme Zouzoua returns to the squad for the first time since spring 2024.

Left-back Guéla Doué regains his spot after missing the last two camps with injury. Oumar Diakité returns to the attack for the first time since March.

Emerse Faé calls up 18-year-old winger Yan Diomandé, who joined Leipzig this summer, for his first senior appearance.

Goalkeeper Alban Lafont also rejoins the team after his debut call-up last month, while 19-year-old Bazoumana Touré keeps his place.

Star names Sébastien Haller, Seko Fofana, Franck Kessié, Evan Ndicka, Evann Guessand, Nicolas Pépé, and Simon Adingra retain their roles.

Coach Faé leaves out Luck Zogbé, Akpa Clément, Parfait Guiagon, and Vakoun Bayo due to fitness issues.

Ivory Coast lead their group by one point over Gabon and must stay sharp to secure qualification and return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014.