Ivory Coast national team. Photo: Imago

Harambee Stars have their work cut out against African champions Ivory Coast after the Elephants unveiled a squad full of quality for this month’s World Cup qualifiers.

Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae has named his 23-man squad for the final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with Manchester United winger Amad Diallo earning a notable recall.

The Elephants face decisive back-to-back fixtures against Seychelles and Kenya, which will determine their fate in Group F.

Diallo, who has six international caps, returns to the national team after an absence of nearly a year. The 22-year-old’s last appearance was on September 10, 2023, when he came off the bench in Ivory Coast’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho in the AFCON 2023 qualifiers.

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Fae has also brought back several influential stars, including Al-Ahli midfielder Franck Kessie, Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangare, and former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe, who now plays for Trabzonspor. Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller also returns to the fold.

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The squad is further strengthened by 2023 AFCON Best Young Player Simon Adingra of Sunderland, OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, and Monaco’s Wilfried Singo.

Ivory Coast currently lead Group F with 20 points from eight matches, one ahead of second-placed Gabon, with two qualification games remaining. With only the group winner guaranteed an automatic spot at the 2026 World Cup, Fae’s side cannot afford any mistakes.

Victories over Seychelles and Kenya would significantly will see them qualify directly to the 2026 World Cup, making a return after featuring in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 tournaments.

The Elephants will host Seychelles on Friday October 10, a team they thrashed 9-0 on matchday one, before welcoming Benni McCarthy’s men four days later. Harambee Stars and the Ivorians played out a goalless draw in the first leg.