FIFA has officially recognized Côte d’Ivoire as the youngest team competing at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, with an average squad age of 25.8 years.
The world football governing body highlighted the achievement on its official World Cup X account on Sunday, posting: “Introducing Côte d’Ivoire… Youngest squad at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Average age: 25.8.”
The recognition comes as the Elephants gear up for their opening fixture of the expanded 48-nation tournament, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, where they are set to take on Ecuador on Monday.
Following the successful generation of iconic stars such as Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, head coach Emerse Faé has assembled a fresh and energetic team filled with rising talents plying their trade in Europe’s elite leagues.
The Ivorian manager has embraced a youthful rebuilding project, opting to leave out some experienced names, including 33-year-old forward Wilfried Zaha, who is currently on loan at Charlotte FC from Galatasaray.
RB Leipzig striker Yan Diomande, born on November 14, 2006, is the youngest member of the squad. He forms part of a promising crop of young talents, including Bazoumana Touré, Christ Inao Oulai, Evann Guessand, Guela Doué, Amad Diallo, Mohamed Koné, Oumar Diakité, Elye Wahi, Simon Adingra, Ange-Yoan Bonny, and Ousmane Diomande — all of whom are still under 25 years old.
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Among other youthful teams at the tournament are Ecuador (average age of 26 years and 28 days), Morocco (26 years and 144 days), Bosnia and Herzegovina (26 years and 154 days), Tunisia (26 years and 235 days), Spain (26 years and 273 days), Norway (26 years and 293 days), and South Africa (26 years and 295 days).
