2026 World Cup: Côte d’Ivoire one match away from history

The time to break the curse

Three appearances. Three eliminations in the first round. Côte d’Ivoire has been carrying this record like a collective wound since 2006. Neither the Drogba generation, nor that of Yaya Touré, nor the talent of Max-Alain Gradel managed to get past this stage. In 2014, it was a Greek penalty, at the last second, that shattered the dream. Tonight, against a Curaçao team playing its first World Cup, a new story can begin. A draw is enough for the Elephants to finish second behind Germany. In the event of a loss, they would still have a chance to qualify among the best third-placed teams.

A squad that has found its identity

Since the start of the tournament, the Ivorians have shown real cohesion. Even the loss against Germany in Toronto did not diminish their ambition; on the contrary, it revealed it. Émerse Faé has not hesitated to rotate his squad, confirming that the group mentality he advocates daily is more than just a slogan. Now it is Fofana, Kessié, Inao, and a young, uninhibited attacking line who carry the long-awaited promise of accomplishment.

“We’re here to make history”

Ange-Yoan Bonny, still searching for his first national-team goal, immediately set the scene. “We feel good, we feel lucky because we’re close to doing something historic. We can’t wait to start playing this match.” Elye Wahi, also part of this new attacking wave, delivered the same message with determination. “We’re here to make history. We know this will be a crucial match for Ivorian football and we’ll give ourselves every chance to earn qualification.”

Evan Guessand, for his part, refuses to use the word pressure. It’s an admitted sense of excitement that dominates for the former Nice striker. “We’re close to history. With this group, I think we can surpass what those before us achieved. We’re just excited and motivated.”

Faé, the man who experienced it from the inside

In this context, the figure of Émerse Faé is central. He himself played in a World Cup as a player, falling at the same stage. Tonight, he has the chance to break this curse from the bench. His players trust him, and not only for his track record. “He’s a coach who’s close to his players and communicates a lot,” explains Wahi. “For young players like us, that’s very important.” Guessand comments, smiling, on the coach’s pleasant selection dilemma. “He often says the players on the bench are good enough to be starters. It gives him a headache, but that’s what a coach wants.”

Kick-off this Thursday, June 25 at 8 p.m. GMT at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.