Côte d’Ivoire has officially qualified for the next FIFA World Cup after defeating Kenya 3–0 on Tuesday, October 14. Meanwhile, Gabon, who beat Burundi 2–0, will head to the playoffs next November in Morocco.

Like Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire had not appeared in a World Cup since the 2014 edition in Brazil. And just like the Algerians, the Ivorians left nothing to chance during these qualifiers, which lasted two years. The outcome: pure joy for the reigning African champions, who have once again made their nation dream.

In Abidjan, the Elephants only needed a win against Kenya to secure their spot — or a slip-up from Gabon against Burundi, who were sitting second-to-last in the group.

It didn’t take long for Côte d’Ivoire to take control of the match. Franck Kessié opened the scoring in the 7th minute. Nicolas Pépé was a constant threat to the Kenyan defense throughout the first half, even if he failed to find the net. Coach Emerse Faé’s men quickly accelerated the tempo. In the second half, RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande doubled the lead with a powerful right-footed strike (54'). Later, under heavy rain, Amad Diallo sealed the victory with a beautifully taken free-kick — his second goal for the national team (84').

For Gabon, who started the day one point behind Côte d’Ivoire, the equation was simple: beat Burundi and hope the Ivorians stumbled. Yet, without their star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — suspended for the match — and amid internal tension after the team reportedly boycotted training over unpaid bonuses from their AFCON 2025 qualification, the challenge was immense.

Ultimately, Gabon did their part, defeating Burundi 2–0 thanks to goals from Bryan Meyo Ngoua and Mario Lemina in the dying minutes. However, it wasn’t enough to overtake Côte d’Ivoire, who finished top of their group. The Panthers will now compete in the playoffs as one of the four best runners-up, alongside Cameroon, DR Congo, and Nigeria.

Côte d’Ivoire is back on the world stage — ready to make history once again in the United States.