Ismaël Doukouré nearing Ivory Coast switch of allegiance

The Ivory Coast national team could gain a key midfielder from the French youth setup ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America. Ivorian-born Ismaël Doukouré is reportedly close to switching his allegiance from France to the West African nation.

Sport Ivoire claimed that Doukouré, 22, has agreed behind the scenes to play for Ivory Coast in time for the World Cup. He has started the process of obtaining an Ivorian passport, fueling rumors of a potential allegiance switch.

The young midfielder has represented France at U21 and U23 levels and took part in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. His father has reportedly pushed for the switch, as Ivory Coast moves closer to securing another France-born player. Recently, OGC Nice striker Elye Wahi changed his allegiance to Ivory Coast in March 2026.

Voici un peu ce qu’on peut attendre d’un milieu comme Ismaël Doukouré.
Agressif, combatif, dur sur l’homme, à l’aise avec le ballon et doté d’une très bonne qualité de relance.

Nous avons bcp de milieux, mais très peu ont ces qualités et l’expérience du haut niveau. pic.twitter.com/zW8BYNeiGl

— Dobe Aboubacar (@DobeAboubacar) April 21, 2026

Doukouré can operate as a defensive midfielder and right-back, providing a versatile option for Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé. The Elephants still have players like Jean-Michaël Seri, but the potential inclusion of the RC Strasbourg versatile player will give them more options. Doukouré has made 37 appearances for French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg in all competitions.

Ivory Coast, like other West and North African nations, is now attracting and persuading diaspora players to represent the national team. Such moves were rare in the early 2000s in Ivory Coast due to the continental success of ASEC Mimosas and its academy.