France - Côte d'Ivoire: A though one for a start

When the Elephants meet the rooster, the party rarely turns to their advantage. This Thursday evening, a new chapter of a one-way rivalry is being written between two nations that are completely separated on the ground—but that history has long united. Three matches in total, two losses, one draw. No victory to sink your teeth into.

An unshared assessment
The numbers are pitiless. In the first clash in August 2005, Didier Drogba’s side fell 3-0 on goals from William Gallas (27'), Zinedine Zidane (64') and Thierry Henry (66').

It took eleven years for the two sides to cross swords again. And this time, in November 2016, Côte d'Ivoire had managed to stand up to France (0-0), yet vice-champion of Europe five months earlier. 

Finally, in March 2022, the Blues had won again, with a score of 2-1. However, Nicolas Pépé (19'), had opened the scoring, before seeing the French come back to goals of Olivier Giroud (22') and Aurélien Tchouaméni in stoppages (90+3') Three matches, 7 goals conceded for a single goalscorer. 

This appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Côte d'Ivoire. Holders of the title after their victory at the 2023 AFCON held at home, the Ivorian selection experienced a very disappointing 2025 AFCON, with an elimination in the quarter-finals against Egypt. A setback that left traces and raised questions about the team’s consistency in major tournaments.

Emerse Faé, the Elephant's coach since his remarkable induction at this same AFCON 2023, has some work to do to get the collective back on track. This match against France, far from being insignificant, is therefore part of a reconstruction, both mental and tactical.

A full-scale test before the World Cup
In a few days, Côte d'Ivoire will be on the biggest football stage in the world. And the draw for the 2026 World Cup did not spare the Elephants. Their group promises to be one of the most outstanding in the competition, with Germany, an unassailable European power, Ecuador, a solid South American underdog, and Curaçao, a surprise in the CONCACAF zone.

To face France today is therefore to measure the gap that still separates the Elephants from the best nations in the world. This friendly match will not count for anything in any ranking, but it will say a lot about the state of a team that must regain confidence, cohesion and efficiency before engaging in the biggest competition. For Emerse Faé and his men, tonight is the time for answers

Doué against Doué
In addition, this meeting will have a special flavor for the Doué family since Guéla, right back of the Elephants, could face his little brother, Désiré, who plays under the tricolor jersey.