FIFA Unveils Côte d’Ivoire as Youngest Squad at 2026 World Cup
By Jeff Unaegbu
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
FIFA has officially identified Côte d’Ivoire as the youngest team competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the country's youthful squad ahead of its campaign in the expanded tournament.
The world football governing body made the announcement on its official World Cup X account on Sunday, revealing that the Elephants have an average squad age of 25.8 years.
The recognition comes as Côte d’Ivoire prepares for its opening match in the 48-team competition jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Following the era of iconic stars such as Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, head coach Emerse Faé has assembled a new generation of talented players drawn from some of Europe’s leading leagues, placing his confidence firmly in youth.
As part of the rebuilding process, Faé omitted several experienced players, including 33-year-old forward Wilfried Zaha, who is currently on loan at Charlotte FC from Galatasaray.
The youngest player in the Ivorian squad is RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, born on November 14, 2006. He leads an exciting crop of emerging talents that includes Bazoumana Touré, Christ Inao Oulai, Evann Guessand, Guela Doué, Amad Diallo, Mohamed Koné, Oumar Diakité, Elye Wahi, Simon Adingra, Ange-Yoan Bonny and Ousmane Diomande, all of whom are still under the age of 25.
FIFA also listed other nations with notably youthful squads, including Ecuador (26 years, 28 days), Morocco (26 years, 144 days), Bosnia and Herzegovina (26 years, 154 days), Tunisia (26 years, 235 days), Spain (26 years, 273 days), Norway (26 years, 293 days) and South Africa (26 years, 295 days).
The youthful composition of the Ivorian squad reflects the country's long-term vision of building a competitive team capable of challenging the world's best on the biggest stage.
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