Meet Ivory Coast: A continental force
With Toronto set to host soccer’s biggest tournament, we’re spotlighting the nations that will be taking the pitch in the city.
As two-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions with a legacy of world-class talent, this team doesn’t just show up — they command attention.
Welcome to Ivory Coast: where soccer excellence meets cultural brilliance.
A legacy of excellence
Ivory Coast’s national team, also known as Les Éléphants, has been a cultural powerhouse in African soccer. With AFCON titles in 1992 and 2015, the country has cemented its place among the continent's soccer legends.
The team has built a reputation for producing elite talent. Their style blends physicality and flair, making them steady contenders on the global stage.
Les Éléphants have produced some of African soccer’s most recognizable names and delivered on the biggest stages — a legacy built on talent.
Ivory Coast’s vibrant traditions
Beyond the pitch, Ivory Coast reveals a cultural landscape that pulses with creativity.
At the heart of modern Ivorian culture is Coupé-Décalé, a high-energy music and dance movement. Known for its percussive beats and expressive choreography, Coupé-Décalé is pure kinetic energy — a movement that turns everyday celebration into a global export.
Artistic traditions run deep across the country. From Korhogo cloth to elaborate mask ceremonies, Ivory Coast's artistic traditions reflect a heritage shaped by more than 60 distinct ethnic groups.
In the city of Abidjan, you can expect fast-paced energy, coastal views along the Gulf of Guinea and a flourishing food and music scene. With the enticing smell of street-side Aloco (fried plantains) or vibrant sights of open-air festivals, every experience feels immersive.
What to expect when Ivory Coast takes the pitch in Toronto
Les Éléphants don't just play soccer — they carry a nation with them. Expressive, relentless and deeply loved, Ivory Coast brings one of West Africa's most passionate soccer cultures to the world stage.
Beyond the sport, the nation’s creativity truly reigns through music, art, fashion and everyday life. It’s a place where tradition and innovation coexist, and where community is everything.
