🇨🇮 Ivory Coast Return to the World Cup After 12-Year Absence after commanding win 3-0 over Kenya
Ivory Coast beat Kenya 3–0 in Abidjan to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Goals from Franck Kessié, Yan Diomande, and Amad Diallo seal the Elephants’ return.
🇨🇮 Kessié, Diomande, and Amad shine as champions cruise past Kenya
Reigning African champions Ivory Coast have booked their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a convincing 3–0 win over Kenya in Abidjan sealed Group F’s top spot.
Franck Kessié put the Elephants ahead early before Yan Diomande doubled the lead after the interval. Manchester United’s Amad Diallo capped the victory with a curling free-kick to complete the scoreline.
The result ensured Ivory Coast finished one point ahead of Gabon, who beat Burundi 2–0 in Franceville. Remarkably, the Elephants did not concede a single goal during their 10-match qualifying campaign—matching Tunisia’s defensive record.
Coach Emerse Faé’s squad now return to the global stage for the first time since 2014, adding to previous World Cup appearances in 2006 and 2010.
“This qualification is the reward for discipline and belief,” said Kessié. “We wanted to show Africa that the champions are still hungry.”
Ivory Coast join Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, and South Africa among Africa’s confirmed participants for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
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