Côte d'Ivoire target Brazil 2027 after 12-year WAFCON absence

Côte d'Ivoire are set to end a 12-year absence from the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) when the tournament kicks off on 26 July. The Elephants have two clear objectives: win the continental title and finish among Africa's top four to secure direct qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027.

Return to the continental stage

Côte d'Ivoire last appeared at WAFCON in 2014. Their return marks a significant moment for women's football in the West African nation, which has only ever qualified for one FIFA Women's World Cup – in 2015. The current squad, assembled by head coach Reynald Pedros, has been training together for nearly two months, building cohesion and tactical understanding.

Kouassi leads the attack

Forward Rosemonde Kouassi, who plays for Washington Spirit in the National Women's Soccer League, is central to Côte d'Ivoire's hopes. The 24-year-old previously played for Fleury in France's Première Ligue and brings pace and a clinical edge in the final third. Her experience in top leagues could prove decisive in tight matches.

“We’re in a positive frame of mind. Everything has gone well since the start of the training camp,” Kouassi told FIFA in an exclusive interview. “We’ve been playing together for several months now; we’re getting to know each other better and better. I think that, with the players we’ve got, we’re capable of achieving great things.”

Group B challenges

Côte d'Ivoire have been drawn in Group B alongside Tanzania, Burkina Faso, and defending champions South Africa. The Elephants will face familiar foes Tanzania, who eliminated them from the 2024 WAFCON qualifiers in September 2023. After Côte d'Ivoire won the first leg 2-0, Tanzania overturned the deficit in the return leg, winning 2-0 to level the tie on aggregate before prevailing 4-2 on penalties. That memory adds extra motivation for the rematch.

Before that grudge match, Côte d'Ivoire will also take on Burkina Faso and South Africa, the 2022 WAFCON champions. The group stage will test the Elephants' depth and resilience.

Focus on the present, eye on the future

While the ultimate goal is a place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, Kouassi insists the team is taking it one match at a time. “For now, we’re only focused on the WAFCON,” she said. This grounded approach reflects the squad's determination to avoid complacency.

Qualification for the World Cup would have a lasting impact beyond the pitch. “It would inspire even more young girls who dream of one day wearing the national-team shirt,” Kouassi said. “We want to be role models for them.” The prospect of playing in Brazil, a football-mad nation, makes that ambition even more compelling.

Côte d'Ivoire's campaign begins on 27 July. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, the Elephants are poised to make their mark on the continental stage.