Ahead of their upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Burundi (March 21 in Meknès, Morocco) and Gambia (March 24 at the Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan), Côte d'Ivoire head coach Emerse Faé revealed his 23-man squad on Monday during a press conference.

The major highlight of the squad is the much-awaited return of Sébastien Haller. After missing the last three call-ups, the striker has regained match fitness with Utrecht and is back with the Elephants. Another significant return is Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who hasn't been called up since March 2023. The FC Zurich midfielder makes his comeback due to the absence of Jean Michaël Seri, who is injured.

Ibrahim Sangaré also returns to the squad after not being called up since the Africa Cup of Nations, thanks to the absence of Seko Fofana. The newly signed Stade Rennais player has been left out due to recent injuries, with Faé explaining that it was a “mutual agreement” not to include him rather than risk playing him in a compromised state.

Clément Akpa, a versatile left-back from AJ Auxerre, earns his first call-up to the senior squad at 23. As for the absentees, Amad Diallo (Manchester United) is injured, and Wilfried Zaha, who recently transferred to Charlotte FC in MLS, is still missing. There's also no return for Maxwel Cornet despite his strong start at Genoa. However, Oumar Diakité, despite struggling with Reims, has made the squad due to Faé's preference for squad unity, a decision that has sparked some debate.

Other key players like Franck Kessié, Simon Adingra, Wilfried Singo, Evan Ndicka, and Ousmane Diomandé are all included.

To recap, Côte d'Ivoire leads their World Cup qualifying group, one point ahead of Gabon.