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Côte d'Ivoire: World Cup's Youthful Contenders
15 Jun
Summary
- Côte d'Ivoire boasts the youngest squad at the 2026 World Cup.
- The team's average age stands at a mere 25.8 years.
- RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande is the squad's youngest player.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds, Côte d'Ivoire proudly fields the tournament's youngest squad, with an average age of 25.8 years. FIFA officially highlighted this distinction, showcasing the Elephants' emerging talent on its World Cup X handle.
Under coach Emerse Faé, the team represents a new golden era, blending youthful vigor with players from Europe's top leagues. This strategic focus on youth includes notable talents like RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, the squad's youngest member, and other players under 25.
The Elephants are preparing for their opening match against Ecuador in the expanded 48-team tournament. This decision to prioritize younger players involved leaving out some seasoned veterans, signaling a clear vision for the future of Ivorian football on the global stage.
Other nations with notably young squads include Ecuador, Morocco, and Spain, but Côte d'Ivoire leads the pack in this youthful resurgence.