Ivory Coast's national football team, the Elephants, have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a defeat to Morocco in the qualifiers. The match, held on March 25, 2026, saw Morocco secure a 2-1 victory, ending Ivory Coast's hopes of reaching the tournament.
Coach Emerse Faé, who took over after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, faced criticism but maintained support from the federation. The team's performance in the qualifiers was inconsistent, with key players like Sébastien Haller and Franck Kessié unable to secure necessary points.
Ivory Coast's elimination marks a setback for the team, which had aimed to build on their 2023 AFCON success. The focus now shifts to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.