Ivory Coast has qualified for the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history. After three previous appearances that all ended in group stage heartbreak, the Elephants finally broke through at the 2026 tournament, turning a page that fans have been trying to turn since 2006.
The achievement is happening at the same World Cup where crypto made its official FIFA debut, with Kraken, Avalanche, and Chiliz all serving as tournament sponsors.
How Ivory Coast got here
Ivory Coast’s World Cup history has been a masterclass in painful near-misses. In 2006, 2010, and 2014, the team featured some of the best talent on the African continent and still couldn’t escape the group stage. This squad, coached by Emerse Fae, arrived at the 2026 World Cup having topped CAF qualifying unbeaten. They didn’t concede a single goal across 10 qualifying matches.
Their tournament opener against Ecuador on June 15 looked like it might end in a frustrating draw. Then Amad Diallo, the Manchester United winger, scored in the 90th minute to secure a 1-0 victory.
