Ivory Coast World Cup Roster: Pepe Makes Return as Zaha Gets Axed
Wilfried Zaha appeared in three matches during AFCON 2025, contributing to Ivory Coast's quarter-final run, yet finds himself excluded from the World Cup roster. Manager Emerse Fae's decision to leave out the veteran represents the most surprising call in his 26-player selection—even more eyebrow-raising than Nicolas Pepe's return to the fold.
Pepe's comeback dominates the headlines, and rightfully so. The 30-year-old Villarreal attacker was dropped for the African Cup of Nations following what Fae characterized as off-pitch concerns. He returned for friendly matches in March and netted the game-winner against Scotland. With eight goals and eight assists in La Liga this campaign, Pepe has silenced any critics. He's earned his spot.
The Real Surprise: Zaha's Exclusion
At 33 years old and currently with Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer, Zaha appears to have fallen out of Fae's long-term vision despite receiving what seemed like an international lifeline mere months ago. His AFCON call-up looked like a final hurrah. As it turns out, that's precisely what it was.
The two players generating the most buzz from European clubs—and among football betting enthusiasts—are both named Diomande. Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande has emerged as one of Europe's premier centre-backs. Meanwhile, 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has attracted interest from clubs like Liverpool, with Leipzig reportedly demanding approximately £85 million. An impressive World Cup showing could justify an even higher valuation.
Amad Diallo earns selection following an impressive campaign with Manchester United. Ibrahim Sangare represents Nottingham Forest in the squad. Crystal Palace's Evann Guessand also makes the cut. The Premier League representation provides North American audiences with familiar faces—important for a team drawn into Group E with Germany and Ecuador, two nations with strong tournament histories.
Group E Breakdown and Tournament Outlook
The Elephants face the following group stage schedule:
- Ecuador – June 15
- Germany – June 20
- Curacao – June 25 (making their World Cup debut)
The Curacao fixture appears to be the most straightforward path to three points. Germany presents the toughest challenge, while Ecuador—disciplined, well-organized, and dangerous on the break—shouldn't be underestimated. Ivory Coast's advancement odds will largely depend on their performance in that crucial second match.
Fae himself represents one of international football's more remarkable stories. He received the Ivory Coast position mid-tournament during AFCON 2023 without any prior senior management experience and promptly won the championship. Now 42, he's gearing up for his maiden World Cup. His selected roster blends experience where necessary—captain Franck Kessie from Al Ahli, Seko Fofana providing stability from Porto—with enough youthful attacking talent to pose problems in the knockout rounds should they advance.
A World Cup goal from Pepe would certainly cap off a career that showed flashes of brilliance but never quite reached its projected heights. He'll be determined to maximize this opportunity.