Ivory Coast announces World Cup squad aiming to spring surprises

Ivory Coast have become the first team from their group to announce a 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, with the four-time former champions drawn alongside Germany, Ecuador, and tournament debutants Curacao. The African nation will begin their campaign against Ecuador on June 14.

After missing the last two editions, Ivory Coast return to the World Cup having played in three consecutive tournaments from 2006 to 2014. The squad features two Bundesliga stars who impressed at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year before the team's quarterfinal loss to Egypt. Winger Yann Diomande (RB Leipzig) and forward Bazoumana Touré (TSG Hoffenheim) have been included as expected, with Touré reportedly attracting interest from multiple Premier League clubs.

The defensive lineup includes Bundesliga-based players Odilon Kossounou (Bayer Leverkusen) and Evan Ndicka (Eintracht Frankfurt). Head coach Emerse Faé said, "We are not going to the United States just to make up the numbers or for a trip. We are going to fulfill the expectations and dreams of the Ivorian people. So yes, we have selected this squad to make a big impact on the American continent together. We are returning to the competition after 12 years, and this return will be something to see."

The full squad: Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana (Chaykur Rizespor), Mohamed Koné (Royal Charleroi SC), Alban Lafont (Panathinaikos FC). Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou (Beşiktaş JK), Clément Akpa (AJ Auxerre), Ousmane Diomande (Sporting CP), Guéla Doué (RC Strasbourg), Ghislain Konan (Gil Vicente), Odilon Kossounou (Atalanta), Evan Ndicka (AS Roma), Wilfried Singo (Galatasaray SK). Midfielders: Seko Fofana (FC Porto), Parfait Guiagon (Sporting Charleroi), Christ Inao Oulai (Trabzonspor Kulübü), Franck Kessié (Al-Ahli), Ibrahim Sangaré (Nottingham Forest FC), Jean-Michel Seri (NK Maribor). Forwards: Simon Adingra (AS Monaco), Ang-Yoan Boni (Inter Milan), Amad Diallo (Manchester United), Oumar Diakité (Cercle Brugge KSV), Yann Diomande (RB Leipzig), Evan Guessan (Crystal Palace), Nicolas Pépé (Villarreal CF), Bazoumana Touré (TSG Hoffenheim), Eli Wahi (OGC Nice).