Ivory Coast

One of Africa's most exciting national teams, they've long been known for producing technically gifted, physically imposing players who can go toe-to-toe with anyone on their best day. They head into 2026 having won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024 on home soil, so there's real momentum and confidence in the squad after years of near-misses on the big stage. Keep an eye on whether they can finally make a deep run at a World Cup, because the talent is clearly there — it's always been about putting it all together when it counts.