Ivory Coast National Team Squad: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The Ivory Coast national football team, commonly known as Les Éléphants (The Elephants), represents Ivory Coast in international football competitions. Governed by the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), the team has been a consistent force in African football, winning the Africa Cup of Nations twice and participating in three FIFA World Cups. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Ivory Coast national team squad, including its history, current members, notable achievements, and future prospects.

Historical Performance

Ivory Coast has a rich footballing history, dating back to the colonial era. The team made its international debut in 1960, following the country's independence from France. In the early years, the Elephants struggled to make an impact on the continental stage, failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations until 1968.

However, the team's fortunes started to change in the 1990s, with the emergence of a golden generation of players led by Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, and Salomon Kalou. Under the guidance of managers such as Henri Michel and Sven-Göran Eriksson, Ivory Coast became a formidable force in African football, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015 and finishing as runner-up in 2006 and 2012.

The Elephants have also participated in three FIFA World Cups, in 2006, 2010, and 2014. In 2006, they made history by becoming the first African team to qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament, reaching the quarterfinals.

Current Squad

The current Ivory Coast national team squad is a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents. The team is captained by veteran defender Serge Aurier, who plays for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League. Other notable players include goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangaré, central defender Simon Deli, and midfielders Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré.

The squad also features several players who have made their mark in major European leagues, such as AC Milan's Franck Kessié, Manchester United's Amad Diallo, and Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha.

Notable Achievements

• Africa Cup of Nations Champions (2): 2015, 2021
• Africa Cup of Nations Runner-Up (5): 1992, 2006, 2012, 2019, 2023
• FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals (1): 2006

Future Prospects

The Ivory Coast national team has a bright future ahead. The team has a strong foundation of experienced players and talented youngsters who are capable of competing at the highest level.

Under the guidance of manager Patrice Beaumelle, the Elephants are aiming to regain their status as African champions and make a deep run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Conclusion

The Ivory Coast national football team is a symbol of pride and passion for the people of Ivory Coast. With its rich history, talented players, and ambitious goals, the Elephants are poised to continue making a significant impact on the world football stage for years to come.

Key Statistics

• FIFA World Ranking: 61 (as of March 2023)
• Africa Cup of Nations Appearances: 24 (out of 33 tournaments)
• FIFA World Cup Appearances: 3 (out of 22 tournaments)
• Most Capped Player: Didier Drogba (105 appearances)
• Top Scorer: Didier Drogba (66 goals)

Table 1: Ivory Coast National Team Squad Roster (2023)