In an encounter where an upset appears highly unlikely, Ivory Coast will be looking to take a major step toward securing a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup with victory over Seychelles on Thursday.
This penultimate clash of the qualifying series will be played at the neutral National Sports Complex Pitch 1 in Mauritius, with the Elephants entering top of Group F on 19 points, one ahead of second-placed Gabon.
Football is a game of surprises, but it might sound almost ‘blasphemous’ to suggest Ivory Coast could drop points against a Seychelles side with the worst record across all qualifying groups, making this fixture feel decided even before the first whistle.
Victory would take Cote d’Ivoire a step closer to their fourth World Cup appearance, and that could even be confirmed before their final-day meeting with Kenya if Gabon lose their own matchday nine encounter with Gambia, though a draw could also be enough for Emerse Fae’s men, who currently boast a five-goal advantage over Les Pantheres.
Ivory Coast have been formidable throughout the campaign, with the only occasions they have failed to take maximum points coming in a goalless draw away to Kenya on matchday four and a similar stalemate with Gabon in Franceville last time out.
That leaves the Elephants with the joint-best defensive record in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, sharing that feat with Tunisia as one of only two teams yet to concede.
It is no secret that Ivory Coast are overwhelming favourites, and another one-sided affair is expected — most likely ending in a heavy victory against a porous Seychelles defence whose attack stands almost no chance of registering a goal.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
