FIFA Names Côte d’Ivoire Youngest Squad at 2026 World Cup

FIFA has officially recognised Côte d’Ivoire as the youngest team competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the youthful profile of the Elephants as they prepare for their opening match of the tournament.

The world football governing body made the announcement on its official World Cup X account on Sunday, revealing that Côte d’Ivoire’s squad has an average age of 25.8 years.

“Introducing Côte d’Ivoire… Youngest squad at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Average age: 25.8,” FIFA posted.

The recognition comes as the West African nation gears up for its opening Group stage clash against Ecuador on Monday in the expanded 48-team tournament being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Following the era of Ivorian football greats such as Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, head coach Emerse Faé has assembled a youthful squad filled with promising talents playing across Europe’s top leagues.

Faé opted to place his confidence in emerging stars while leaving out some experienced players, including former Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, who is currently on loan at Charlotte FC⁠ from Galatasaray⁠.

The youngest player in the squad is Yan Diomande, who was born on November 14, 2006.

He is part of an exciting generation that includes Amad Diallo, Simon Adingra, Ousmane Diomande, Ange-Yoan Bonny, and several other players who are yet to celebrate their 25th birthdays.

FIFA also listed other youthful squads participating in the tournament, including Ecuador, Morocco, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tunisia, Spain, Norway and South Africa.

The Elephants will be hoping their youthful energy translates into a strong campaign as they seek to make a lasting impression on football’s biggest stage.