27 Mar
Fri
•9:00pm
Lusail Stadium • Doha
15 Jun
Mon
•12:00pm
Mercedes-Benz Stadium • Atlanta
21 Jun
Sun
•12:00pm
Mercedes-Benz Stadium • Atlanta
26 Jun
Fri
•6:00pm
Estadio Akron • Zapopan
24 Dec
Wed
•6:30pm
Marrakech Stadium • Ouahat Sidi Brahim
28 Dec
Sun
•9:00pm
Marrakech Stadium • Ouahat Sidi Brahim
31 Dec
Wed
•8:00pm
Marrakech Stadium • Ouahat Sidi Brahim
14 Jun
Sun
•7:00pm
Lincoln Financial Field • Philadelphia
20 Jun
Sat
•4:00pm
BMO Field • Toronto
Ivory Coast burst into this group stage backed by their continental crowns from 1992, 2015 and 2023, a powerful, physical side that thrives on duels, raw strength and devastating counterattacks. Lining up against them is the reigning European champion, who were crowned world champions in 2010 and currently sit atop the FIFA rankings, built around total control of the ball, high pressing and silky play between the lines. The only previous meeting between the two, that 3–2 thriller in 2006 for La Roja, adds extra spice to a group where every point could be the key to going through.
At Qatar 2022, the Spanish side kicked off a major changing of the guard, now led by Rodri, Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, the backbone of the European title clinched in 2024. The current champions of Africa, meanwhile, lean on the goals of Sébastien Haller and the relentless drive of Franck Kessié and Simon Adingra, a trio that epitomises an Elephants team used to living on the edge in every game. For any fan chasing a blend of flair, power and national pride, this showdown is a must-see fixture from the stands.