Sébastien Haller hints at international retirement if World Cup dream ends

Ivory Coast marksman Sébastien Haller has suggested he could head into international retirement should he be excluded from the upcoming World Cup roster.

The Elephants’ head coach, Emerse Faé, is set to unveil his definitive squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in just a few days, with Haller firmly setting his sights on securing a spot.

The 31-year-old, who was a notable absentee from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco due to a hamstring injury, is now searching for a “last dance” at the global football showpiece.

‘Presence Uncertain’ for the Elephants Star Sébastien Haller

“I’m expecting anything. I’m preparing 10,000% to be there; after that, it’s up to the coach to make his choices,” Haller told NCI Sport Express.

“I haven’t been selected for a good while, which makes my presence uncertain. If I’m not selected, there will be a lot of disappointment and frustration, and we won’t be far from the end of my international career.”

Haller has recently enjoyed fine form in the Dutch Eredivisie with Utrecht, where he has featured in 20 league matches, contributing one goal and providing three assists.

Boasting 34 caps and 11 international goals, the former French youth international has enjoyed a storied career, previously representing Auxerre, Ajax, West Ham United, Eintracht Frankfurt, CD Leganés, and Borussia Dortmund.

The Ivory Coast are scheduled to face Ecuador, Germany, and Curaçao in Group E of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted across Mexico, Canada, and the USA.