The German World Cup group opponents Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) barely achieved an opening success at the Africa Cup of Nations. Next up is the “Elephants” against “Indomitable Lions”.
The defending champion led by Leipzig shooting star Yan Diomande won 1-0 (0-0) against Mozambique in the first tournament game. Amad Diallo (49th minute) from Manchester United scored the winning goal in Marrakesh, Morocco, for the Ivorians, who will be group opponents of the German national team at the 2026 World Cup.
Diomande puts pressure on the left
Diomande, who had recently been in the spotlight with eleven goals in 16 competitive games at RB Leipzig, was very much in focus in the “Elefants’” first group game. The 19-year-old, who only made his national team debut in October, repeatedly made a lot of speed on his left flank, but was usually heavily worked on by two opposing defenders.
It has already become obvious: the young Leipzig player will be a key offensive player for the Ivorians both during the tournament in Morocco and at the upcoming World Cup.
Experienced midfield for the Ivorians
On the other hand, Diallo played instead of Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Touré, who had to watch the entire game from the bench. In the midfield of Germany’s World Cup group opponents, Franck Kessie from Saudi club Al Ahli and Ibrahim Sangare from Nottingham Forest for structure. Veteran Seko Fofana from Rennes Stadium Surprisingly, he also had to take a seat on the bench.
The showpiece is the defense
The highlight of the “elephants” also seems to be their defense in Morocco. The Ivorians had completed the most recent World Cup qualification with eight wins in ten games and had not conceded a single goal in this phase. It stayed that way at the start of the Cup in Morocco. When the opponent had the ball, the team retreated with great discipline into a massive block that could not be broken. Evan Ndicka (AS Roma) and Odilon Kossounou (Atalanta Bergamo), two former Bundesliga players who appeared extremely stable, played in central defense.
Coach Emers Faé praised after the game: “We played against a good team and were able to keep a clean sheet. We once again saw the solidarity that has characterized us for months. If there is one area in which we still need to improve, it is decision-making and scoring.”
Haller is missing injured
The Ivorians next have to play against Cameroon in the second group game on Sunday (December 28, 2025). The “Indomitable Lions” won their opening game 1-0 against Gabon in an equally competitive match.
Last year, Ivory Coast won their third continental title at their home tournament – despite a change of coach during the finals. Coach Faé’s team is also one of the favorites to win at this year’s edition in Morocco. Striker Sébastien Haller, ex-Dortmunder and last year’s final hero, is missing injured.
World Cup 2026: Germany against Ivory Coast
The German national soccer team will also have to play against the three-time African champions Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup: In the second group game, the two teams will meet in Toronto, Canada (June 20, 4 p.m. OZ/10 p.m. CEST). The “elephants” belonged “the best this continent has to offer”DFB sports director Rudi Völler said recently.