Faé eyes World Cup qualification after Canadian Shield Cup test

Photo Credit: Ivorian Football Federation

Ivory Coast National Team coach Emerse Faé said the Canadian Shield Cup in Toronto served as a performance measure for his players as they shift their focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers.

The Elephants failed to score a single goal during the mini tournament, losing 1–0 to New Zealand last Sunday and defeating Canada 5–4 on penalties following a goalless draw this past Wednesday.

The Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach Faé stated that qualifying for the World Cup is their main objective.

"Among our players, none of them have participated in a World Cup. So, they are very, very motivated to qualify for the next one, especially since we are off to a good start," said Faé.

"We have four matches left. If we are serious, if we are focused, we have a chance of qualifying. The players are eager to get to September because they really have the mindset to go for qualification."

Ivory Coast tops Group F with 15 points, level with second-placed Gabon. They will face Burundi and Gabon in the September edition of the qualifiers. Ivory Coast last qualified for the World Cup in 2014, when Brazil hosted the global tournament.