The Côte d'Ivoire national football team has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1].

The qualification marks a significant return for the squad, known as the Elephants, as they prepare to compete on a global stage. Their presence in the tournament highlights the growing competitiveness of African football within the expanded tournament structure.

The team secured its position after finishing as Africa's sixth-best side in the FIFA rankings [1]. This ranking allowed them to claim a spot in the first World Cup to feature 48 teams [1]. This expanded format provides more opportunities for nations across the continent to participate in the premier international event.

This will be the fourth World Cup appearance for Côte d'Ivoire [2]. The team now begins preparations for the tournament, which will be hosted across three nations: the U.S., Canada, and Mexico [1].

The Elephants enter the competition with a goal to advance further than in previous outings. By leveraging their ranking and squad depth, the team aims to establish itself as a dominant force among the African representatives in the 2026 edition [1].

“The Elephants are back”

The inclusion of Côte d'Ivoire in the 2026 World Cup demonstrates the impact of FIFA's expansion to 48 teams. By increasing the number of slots, the tournament allows higher-ranked regional teams—like the sixth-best side in Africa—to participate, potentially increasing the diversity of playing styles and the commercial reach of the sport across the African continent.