Côte d’Ivoire Books Ticket to 2026 World Cup with Clinical Victory over Kenya
The Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire are heading back to the global stage! Côte d’Ivoire secured their automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday night, defeating Kenya 3-0 in a decisive final Group F qualifier at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
Returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2014, the Ivorians delivered a controlled and efficient performance to ensure they topped their group and avoided the anxiety of the play-off round.
The home side wasted no time in seizing control of the match, with midfielder Franck Kessié easing the tension for the partisan crowd by netting an early goal in the 7th minute.
The Elephants continued to press their advantage in the second half. Yan Diomande doubled the lead in the 54th minute, putting the home side in a commanding position. The victory was capped off five minutes from time when substitute Amad Diallo scored the third goal, completing the 3-0 rout.
The win sees Côte d’Ivoire top Group F with 26 points, a single point ahead of second-placed Gabon, who will now advance to the African play-off tournament.
For the reigning African champions, this qualification marks a triumphant return to the World Cup, adding to their previous appearances in 2006, 2010, and 2014. The result secures their place alongside fellow African qualifiers like Senegal and South Africa at the World Cup finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Elephants, under coach Emerse Faé, ended their impressive qualifying campaign having maintained a formidable record, giving their fans plenty to celebrate as they look forward to the global tournament next summer.
