Ivory Coast Selects Dual-Nationality Forwards Bonny and Wahi for World Cup Campaign

Emerse Faé has named Ivory Coast’s 2026 World Cup squad, featuring new dual-national forwards Ange-Yoan Bonny and Elye Wahi. The list also includes the return of Nicolas Pépé, as the Elephants prepare for group matches against Ecuador, Germany, and Curaçao.

Daniel Momodu · May 16, 2026 · 71

Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé has officially unveiled his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, headlines by the inclusion of newly committed dual-nationality forwards Ange-Yoan Bonny and Elye Wahi.

The integration of the two young attackers represents a significant recruitment success for the Ivorian Football Federation. Inter Milan forward Bonny, 22, was included just days after finalizing his official switch of nationality, having previously represented France up to the under-21 level. Similarly, 23-year-old OGC Nice striker Wahi completed his international transition earlier in the year and earned his first cap for the Elephants during a 1-0 friendly victory over Scotland in late March.

The squad also marks the return of veteran forward Nicolas Pépé. The 30-year-old Villarreal winger was recalled to the national setup after being excluded from the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco earlier in the year, moving past recent public friction with the federation regarding online abuse.

Ivory Coast will travel to North America for Group E fixtures against Ecuador, Germany, and Curaçao. Before the tournament gets underway, Bonny could line up for his debut in a highly anticipated pre-World Cup friendly against his former nation, France, on June 4 in Lens.