The Ivory Coast national football team (French: Équipe de football de Côte d'Ivoire, recognized as the Côte d'Ivoire by FIFA[3]) represents Ivory Coast in men's international football. Nicknamed the Elephants, the team is managed by the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF). The team has won the Africa Cup of Nations three times, in 1992, 2015 and 2023, and has qualified for the FIFA World Cup four times, in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2026.
Ivory Coast's home colours are all orange. Since 2020 their home games have been played at Alassane Ouattara Stadium, in Abidjan. Prior to this their home ground was Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, also in Abidjan. Didier Zokora holds the record for number of caps, with 123. The nation's leading goalscorer is Didier Drogba, who scored 65 goals for the Elephants in 105 appearances.
History
Early history: 1960s–1980s
The team played its first international match against Dahomey, now known as Benin, which they won 3–2 on 13 April 1960 in Madagascar.[4]
The team achieved an 11–0 victory against the Central African Republic national football team.[5] In 1961 the team made their first appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations.[6] After gaining independence from France, the team finished third in the 1963 and 1965 tournaments.[citation needed]
Ivory Coast's performances in the 1970s were mixed. In the 1970 African Cup of Nations, the team finished top of their group, but lost to Ghana – the powerhouses of African football at the time – in the semi-finals, and went on to finish 4th after losing the third-place play-off to the United Arab Republic (now Egypt).[7] They failed to qualify for the 1972 edition, losing 4–3 to Congo-Brazzaville in the final qualifying round,[8] and then qualified in 1974 but finished bottom of their group with only a single point.[9] Missing the 1976 tournament,[10] the team initially qualified for 1978, beating Mali 2–1 on aggregate, but were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player in the second leg. Mali were also disqualified, due to police and stadium security assaulting the match officials during the first leg, resulting in Upper Volta, who Ivory Coast had beaten in the first qualifying round, inheriting their place.[11]
In 1984, the team hosted the African Cup of Nations for the first time, but failed to get out of their group.[12] In 1986, they narrowly qualified from their group on goals scored, and went on to finish third once more, beating Morocco 3–2 in the third-place play-off.[13]
1990s
At the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast beat Algeria 3–0[14] and drew 0–0 with Congo to finish top of their group.[15] An extra-time victory over Zambia[16] and a penalty shoot-out win over Cameroon[17] took them to the final for the first time, where they faced Ghana. The match again went to a penalty shoot-out, which became, at the time, the highest-scoring in international football; Ivory Coast eventually triumphed 11–10 to win the title for the first time.[18] They were unable to defend their title in 1994, losing to Nigeria in the semi-finals.[19]
2000s and World Cup debut
In October 2005, Ivory Coast secured qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, their first-ever appearance at the tournament. Having been drawn into a "group of death" that also featured Cameroon and Egypt, Ivory Coast went into the final match second behind Cameroon, but qualified after beating Sudan 3–1 while Cameroon could only draw with Egypt.[20]
Ivory Coast finished runners-up at the 2006 African Cup of Nations, with the tournament including another lengthy penalty shootout, where Ivory Coast defeated Cameroon 12–11.[21]
In the tournament itself, Ivory Coast were drawn into another group of death, against Argentina, Netherlands, and Serbia and Montenegro.[22] They lost 2–1 to Argentina[23] – with Didier Drogba scoring the team's first-ever World Cup goal in the 82nd minute – and then 2–1 to the Netherlands,[24] meaning they had already been eliminated by the time they played Serbia and Montenegro. After going 2–0 down after just 20 minutes, Ivory Coast came back to win 3–2, with Bonaventure Kalou scoring an 86th-minute penalty to give Ivory Coast their first-ever World Cup victory.[25]
After Uli Stielike left before the 2008 African Cup of Nations due to his son's health, co-trainer Gerard Gili took his position.[26] To compensate of the lack of another co-coach, Didier Drogba acted as a player-coach. This was only the second time that a player had also acted as a coach at the tournament, after George Weah was both player and coach for Liberia during the 2002 tournament.
2010s
The national football team of the Côte d'Ivoire before a match against Poland in 2010
Ivory Coast qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and were again drawn in a group of death, against five-time champions Brazil, Portugal, and North Korea.[27] Having managed a 0–0 draw against Portugal,[28] a 3–1 defeat to Brazil meant that in order to qualify from their group,[29] they would have to beat North Korea,[30] while Brazil needed to beat Portugal, and thanks to Portugal's 7–0 win over North Korea,[31] there needed to be a substantial swing in goal difference. Ivory Coast won 3–0,[30] but Portugal held Brazil to a 0–0 draw[32] and Ivory Coast were once again eliminated in the group stage.[33]
The team made a third appearance in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where they were drawn into Group C against Colombia, Greece, and Japan.[34] After coming from behind to beat Japan 2–1,[35] Ivory Coast then lost 2–1 to Colombia,[36] leaving their qualification in the balance. In their final match against Greece, the score was 1–1 going into stoppage time, and with Japan losing 4–1 to Colombia, Ivory Coast looked set to qualify. However, in the 93rd minute, Giovanni Sio gave away a penalty which Georgios Samaras converted, giving Greece both the victory and the place in the last 16;[37] Ivory Coast, meanwhile, went out in the group stage for the third tournament in a row.[38]
In 2015, the national team won the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time in Equatorial Guinea, defeating Ghana in a 22-shot penalty shootout, winning 9–8 after a scoreless game.[39]
Ivory Coast failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. After needing a win in their final match against Morocco, they lost 2–0, meaning Morocco qualified instead.[40]
2020s
The national football team of the Côte d'Ivoire in 2022
In early 2024, Ivory Coast hosted the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time.[41] Following a 4–0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea and third-placed finish in the group stage, coach Jean-Louis Gasset was dismissed, and assistant coach Emerse Faé was hired as caretaker in the knockout stages, as the national team qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.[42] Later on, Ivory Coast managed to defeat the defending champions Senegal in the penalty shoot-outs, Mali after extra-time, and DR Congo in the semi-finals.[43] They eventually won the title, defeating Nigeria 2–1 in the final, marking their third victory.[44] For the first time in the history of the African Cup of Nations, the tournament was won by a team that changed coaches during the tournament.[45]
Home stadium
From 1964 to 2020, Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, a 50,000-seater stadium in Abidjan was the main venue used to host home matches. In 2020, the 60,000-seat Alassane Ouattara Stadium, also in Abidjan, was opened ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.[46]
Supporters
Supporters of the Elephants are known to be among the most colorful in Africa. At Ivory Coast matches, the Elephants supporter sections typically include a percussion band that mimics the sounds of an elephant traveling through a forest.[47]
Results and fixtures
Main article: Ivory Coast national football team results (2020–present)
The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.
On 15 May 2026, the following 26 players were named in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and for the pre-tournament friendly match against France on 4 June 2026.[48]Clément Akpa withdrew injured, and was replaced by Christopher Opéri on 29 May.[49] Caps and goals updated as of 20 June 2026, after the match against Germany.
^Monaco is a Monégasque club playing in the French football league system.
^Touré appeared in two matches that are not considered official matches by FIFA. One against Cameroon in 2009, as it was played over three periods of 30 minutes, and a match against a Nigeria XI in 2015, where no documentation was submitted before the match.
^ abGradel appeared in three matches that are not considered official matches by FIFA. A match against Mali in 2012, as it did not have FIFA permission, and a match against a Nigeria XI in 2015, where no documentation was submitted before the match, and a match against a Sweden League XI in 2017.
^ abDrogba also appeared in a match against Cameroon in 2009, scoring one goal, however it was played over three periods of 30 minutes, therefore it is not considered an official match by FIFA.
^Kessié also appeared in a match against Mali in 2023, however the match was abandoned at half-time due to rain, therefore it is not counted by FIFA.
^ abTouré appeared in two matches that are not considered official matches by FIFA. One against Cameroon in 2009, as it was played over three periods of 30 minutes, and a match against a Nigeria XI in 2015, where no documentation was submitted before the match.
^Tiéné also appeared in a match against Cameroon in 2009, however it was played over three periods of 30 minutes, therefore it is not considered an official match by FIFA.
^ abKalou also appeared in a match against a Nigeria XI in 2015, scoring one goal, however no documentation was submitted before the match, therefore it is not considered an official match by FIFA.
^Aurier appeared in two matches that are not considered official matches by FIFA. One against a Nigeria XI in 2015, as no documentation was submitted before the match, and a match against a Sweden League XI in 2017.
^ abTraoré also appeared in a match against Nigeria U-20s in 1991, scoring one goal, however this wasn't a full international 'A' side, therefore it is not considered an official match by FIFA.
^Gervinho appeared in two matches that are not considered official matches by FIFA. One against Cameroon in 2009, as it was played over three periods of 30 minutes, and a match against a Nigeria XI in 2015, where no documentation was submitted before the match.
Competitive record
FIFA World Cup
See also: Ivory Coast at the FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup record
Qualification record
Year
Round
Position
Pld
W
D*
L
GF
GA
Squad
Pld
W
D
L
GF
GA
1930 to 1958
Part of France
Part of France
1962
Not a FIFA member
Not a FIFA member
1966 and 1970
Did not enter
Did not enter
1974
Did not qualify
6
3
2
1
8
7
1978
6
3
2
1
11
10
1982
Did not enter
Did not enter
1986
Did not qualify
4
1
1
2
6
5
1990
4
1
2
1
5
1
1994
8
4
3
1
12
6
1998
2
0
1
1
1
3
2002
10
5
4
1
22
10
2006
Group stage
19th
3
1
0
2
5
6
Squad
10
7
1
2
20
7
2010
17th
3
1
1
1
4
3
Squad
12
8
4
0
29
6
2014
21st
3
1
0
2
4
5
Squad
8
5
3
0
19
7
2018
Did not qualify
8
4
2
2
11
5
2022
6
4
1
1
10
3
2026
in progress
TBD
2
1
0
1
2
2
Squad
10
8
2
0
25
0
2030
To be determined
To be determined
2034
Total:
4/15
Group stage
17th
11
4
1
6
15
16
−
94
53
28
13
179
70
Africa Cup of Nations
Main article: Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations
Africa Cup of Nations record
Qualification record
Year
Round
Position
Pld
W
D*
L
GF
GA
Pld
W
D*
L
GF
GA
1957
Part of France
Part of France
1959
1962
Not affiliated to CAF
Not affiliated to CAF
1963
1965
Third place
3rd
3
2
0
1
5
4
4
3
0
1
9
4
1968
5
3
0
2
9
6
4
3
1
0
7
0
1970
Fourth place
4th
5
2
0
3
11
9
2
1
1
0
4
0
1972
Did not qualify
4
3
0
1
6
5
1974
Group stage
7th
3
0
1
2
2
5
4
4
0
0
10
5
1976
Did not qualify
2
0
2
0
2
2
1978
Banned
Banned
1980
Group stage
6th
3
0
2
1
2
3
4
4
0
0
8
2
1982
Did not enter
Did not enter
1984
Group stage
5th
3
1
0
2
4
4
Qualified as hosts
1986
Third place
3rd
5
3
0
2
7
5
4
3
1
0
9
1
1988
Group stage
6th
3
0
3
0
2
2
4
4
0
0
4
3
1990
6th
3
1
0
2
3
5
4
3
1
0
10
3
1992
Champions
1st
5
2
3
0
4
0
6
5
0
1
9
3
1994
Third place
3rd
5
3
1
1
11
5
Qualified as defending champions
1996
Group stage
11th
3
1
0
2
2
5
4
1
2
1
5
4
1998
Quarter-finals
7th
4
2
2
0
10
6
6
4
1
1
10
8
2000
Group stage
9th
3
1
1
1
3
4
6
3
2
1
7
2
2002
16th
3
0
1
2
1
4
8
4
3
1
17
4
2004
Did not qualify
4
2
1
1
8
3
2006
Runners-up
2nd
6
3
2
1
6
5
10
7
1
2
20
7
2008
Fourth place
4th
6
4
0
2
16
9
4
3
1
0
13
0
2010
Quarter-finals
8th
3
1
1
1
5
4
12
8
4
0
29
6
2012
Runners-up
2nd
6
5
1
0
9
0
6
6
0
0
19
5
2013
Quarter-finals
5th
4
2
1
1
8
5
2
2
0
0
6
2
2015
Champions
1st
6
3
3
0
9
4
6
3
1
2
13
11
2017
Group stage
11th
3
0
2
1
2
3
4
1
3
0
3
1
2019
Quarter-finals
5th
5
3
1
1
7
3
6
3
2
1
12
5
2021
Round of 16
10th
4
2
2
0
6
3
6
4
1
1
11
5
2023
Champions
1st
7
4
1
2
8
8
6
4
1
1
9
5
2025
Quarter-finals
6th
5
3
1
1
10
6
6
4
0
2
12
3
2027
To be determined
To be determined
2028
Total
3 Titles
26/35
111
51
29
31
162
117
138
92
29
17
272
99
*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.
**Gold background colour indicates that the tournament was won.
***Red border colour indicates tournament was held on home soil.
African Nations Championship
African Nations Championship record
Appearances: 5
Year
Round
Position
Pld
W
D*
L
GF
GA
2009
Group stage
8th
3
0
1
2
0
4
2011
Group stage
12th
3
1
0
2
2
4
2014
Did not qualify
2016
Third place
3rd
6
4
0
2
10
4
2018
Group stage
14th
3
0
1
2
0
3
2020
Did not qualify
2022
Quarter-finals
6th
4
1
1
2
3
3
Total
Third place
5/7
19
6
3
10
15
18
FIFA Confederations Cup
FIFA Confederations Cup record
Year
Round
Position
Pld
W
D*
L
GF
GA
Squad
1992
Fourth place
4th
2
0
0
2
2
9
Squad
1995 to 2017
Did not qualify
Total
Fourth place
1/10
2
0
0
2
2
9
–
African Games
See also: Ivory Coast national under-23 football team
African Games record
Year
Rank
Pld
W
D
L
GF
GA
1965
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
1987
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
2/4
0
0
0
0
0
0
CECAFA Cup
Main article: CECAFA Cup
UEMOA Tournament
Main article: UEMOA Tournament
Honours
Intercontinental
Afro-Asian Cup of Nations
Runners-up (1): 1993
Continental
CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Champions (3): 1992, 2015, 2023
Runners-up (2): 2006, 2012
Third place (4): 1965, 1968, 1986, 1994
CAF African Nations Championship
Third place (1): 2016
African Games1
Bronze medal (1): 1965
Regional
CEDEAO Cup
Champions (3): 1983, 1987, 1991
Runners-up (1): 1985
Third place (1): 1990
West African Nations Cup
Third place (2): 1983, 1984
UEMOA Tournament
Champions (2): 2007, 2008
Awards
African National Team of the Year (3): 1992, 2015, 2024
Africa Cup of Nations Fair Play Award (1): 2012
Summary
Competition
Total
CAF African Cup of Nations
3
2
4
9
CAF African Nations Championship
0
0
1
1
Afro-Asian Cup of Nations
0
1
0
1
Total
3
3
5
11
Notes
Competition organized by ANOCA, officially not recognized by FIFA.
1 (11 June 2026)[1]
Ivory Coast 3–2 Dahomey 
Netherlands 5–0 Ivory Coast 
Burundi 
Kenya 
Mozambique 
49'
Cameroon 
56' (o.g.)
Burkina Faso 
Ecuador 
Gambia 
Somalia 
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1957
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1965
Runners-up (1): 1993
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Third place (4): 1965, 1968, 1986, 1994
Champions (3): 1983, 1987, 1991
Third place (1): 1990
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