In an official letter addressed to Yacine Idriss Diallo, President of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) congratulated Côte d’Ivoire on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Yesterday, Côte d’Ivoire became one of the African teams to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup,” FIFA wrote in the letter signed by its President, Gianni Infantino, and Secretary General, Mattias Grafström, dated October 15, 2025. The world football governing body extended its “warmest congratulations” for this “fully deserved” qualification — the fourth World Cup appearance in the history of the Elephants.

FIFA commended “the collective efforts and unwavering determination” of all those involved in Ivorian football — the players, coaching staff, management, and supporters. “Our sincere congratulations go to everyone who contributed to this success,” the letter added, praising the team’s unity and the quality of their work.

On the field, Emerse Faé’s men sealed their spot in style with a convincing 3–0 victory over Kenya at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpé on October 14. The Elephants completed the qualifying campaign in flawless fashion, without conceding a single goal and scoring 25 — the best attacking record in their group.

The Elephants will discover their opponents during the draw scheduled for December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. (USA).