World Cup 2026: Reaching the knockout stage is Côte d’Ivoire’s objective

Kinshasa, June 14^th, 2026 (CPA). – Côte d’Ivoire head coach Emerse Faé has set qualification for the knockout stage as his team’s primary objective ahead of Sunday’s opening World Cup match against Ecuador, scheduled to kick off at Philadelphia Stadium at 10:00 p.m. local time (3:00 a.m. in Kinshasa), CPA learned on Sunday from the FIFA website. « Could the fourth attempt finally be the right one? That is the question on the lips of an entire nation as the Elephants prepare to step onto the pitch at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. It is a glass ceiling that Emerse Faé and his new generation are determined to shatter, beginning this Sunday against Ecuador, » the website reported. The Ivorian ambition comes after three unsuccessful appearances at the tournament. « In three previous FIFA World Cup participations (2006, 2010 and 2014), Côte d’Ivoire’s golden generation led by Didier Drogba never managed to reach the knockout rounds. » According to the source, the opening match is considered decisive. « We know that an opening victory would put us in an excellent position for the rest of the competition. We are approaching this encounter with the utmost seriousness. » Meanwhile, according to the website of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Côte d’Ivoire faces a demanding challenge against an Ecuadorian side renowned for its defensive discipline and solidity. « It will be a physical and complicated match that will be decided by fine margins. (…) But in terms of commitment and intensity, we have no concerns because our players are ready to respond. » For the record, Côte d’Ivoire has been drawn into Group E, alongside Ecuador, Japan and the Netherlands.