With just three months to go before the start of the 2026 World Cup (June 11 - July 19) in North America, the Ivorian internationals are looking to impress. While the team's attacking options have sometimes been a cause for concern, the current performances of our players abroad are bringing a smile back to Emerse Faé's face.

Here is an overview of the forces at play knocking on the door of the Elephants.

The Bundesliga to the rhythm of Ivory Coast

Germany has been particularly successful for our young talents this season:

1. Yan Diomandé (RB Leipzig): At 19, the winger has become one of Europe's most exciting players. With 11 goals and 6 assists in 27 matches, he has established himself as one of the best dribblers on the continent and is helping Leipzig reach the top five.
2. Bazoumana Touré (Hoffenheim): A true metronome of consistency, he has maintained his level since AFCON 2025. Playing on both wings, his 6 assists greatly contribute to his club's historic 3rd place in the standings.

Jérémie Boga's Italian Revival

After impressive spells in England and France, Jérémie Boga seems to have found his niche at Juventus . Arriving mid-season, he immediately made his mark with two crucial goals, including one against AS Roma, securing the "Old Lady" in 6th place in Serie A.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Premier League: Evann Guessand's awakening

After a difficult start at Aston Villa, Evann Guessand 's loan to Crystal Palace proved to be a stroke of genius.

1. Status: Voted Eagles Player of the Month for February.
2. Notable achievement: A decisive role in the resounding victory (3-1) at Tottenham on March 5, moving Palace away from the relegation zone.

Portugal & France: Established pillars

1. Ousmane Diomandé (Sporting CP): An undisputed starter in Portugal, he forms with Gonçalo Inácio one of the most impenetrable central defensive partnerships in Europe.
2. Ghislain Konan (Gil Vicente): The left-back has regained his sharpness and is putting together a series of top-flight performances.
3. Simon Adingra (AS Monaco): In Ligue 1, the former Brighton winger is thriving. Scoring three goals, he was one of the key players in Monaco's recent 3-1 victory over PSG. Having missed the last Africa Cup of Nations, he now seems a favorite to be selected for the World Cup squad.

The coach's message: Emerse Faé remains vigilant. With such a high concentration of talent, finalizing the roster for Mexico, Canada, and the USA will be particularly difficult. Places will be hard to come by, and every league weekend now feels like a final exam.