World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast Coach Under Pressure As Camp Falls Into Disarray

World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast Coach Under Pressure As Camp Falls Into Disarray

Sampson Adedeji

Pressure is mounting on Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé following the Elephants' elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with fresh allegations of bias surrounding his squad selection dominating discussions in the country, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The criticism intensified after Ivory Coast's 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 32, a result that ended their impressive World Cup campaign. 

Faé admitted after the match that his youthful side lacked the experience needed to see out the contest after drawing level through Amad Diallo before conceding a late winner.

However, attention has now shifted away from the defeat and toward the coach's selection decisions.

Reports in the Ivorian media and on social media have questioned Faé's decision to leave out experienced striker Sébastien Haller from the World Cup squad while consistently giving opportunities to Inter Milan forward Ange-Yoan Bonny.

The omission of Haller, who famously scored the winning goal in Ivory Coast's 2024 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, had already sparked widespread debate when the squad was announced in May.

Adding to the controversy are unverified claims circulating in Ivory Coast alleging that Faé's wife works as a football agent, with some critics suggesting this influenced Bonny's inclusion and regular starts. 

No evidence has been presented to substantiate the allegations, and neither Faé nor the Ivorian Football Federation has publicly responded to the claims.

Despite guiding the Elephants to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in their history, Faé now faces growing scrutiny as questions continue to surround his team selection and management of the squad.