FIFA has identified Côte d’Ivoire as the youngest team competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the West African side's youthful profile ahead of their tournament opener. The world football governing body announced on Sunday via its official World Cup account on X, writing: “Introducing Côte d’Ivoire… Youngest squad at the FIFA World Cup 2026” with “Average age: 25.8.”
The recognition comes as the Elephants prepare to begin their campaign in the expanded 48-team tournament, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Côte d’Ivoire will take on Ecuador on Monday in their opening fixture.
Following the celebrated generation spearheaded by Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, head coach Emerse Faé has assembled a youthful and energetic squad featuring players drawn from some of Europe’s leading leagues.
Faé has opted to prioritise emerging talent, leaving out several experienced players, including 33-year-old forward Wilfried Zaha, who is currently on loan at Charlotte FC from Galatasaray.
Among the youngest members of the squad is RB Leipzig attacker Yan Diomande, born on November 14, 2006, making him the youngest player in the Ivorian contingent.
He is part of a promising crop of young stars that includes Bazoumana Touré (TSG Hoffenheim), Christ Inao Oulai (Trabzonspor), Evann Guessand (Crystal Palace), Guela Doué (Strasbourg), Amad Diallo (Manchester United), Mohamed Koné (Charleroi), Oumar Diakité (Cercle Brugge), Elye Wahi (Nice), Simon Adingra (Monaco), Ange-Yoan Bonny (Inter Milan) and Ousmane Diomande (Sporting CP), all of whom are still under the age of 25.
FIFA also noted other nations with notably youthful squads, including Ecuador (26 years, 28 days), Morocco (26 years, 144 days), Bosnia and Herzegovina (26 years, 154 days), Tunisia (26 years, 235 days), Spain (26 years, 273 days), Norway (26 years, 293 days) and South Africa (26 years, 295 days).
