Exclusive: Ivory Coast FA President Diallo Backs Fae, Aims for Solid World Cup Performance

The 42 year old coach faced significant backlash after the Elephants poor run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, ending with a quarter final exit to Egypt.

Yet Fae has regained trust through solid performances in the March international break. Ivory Coast secured a convincing 4 0 win against South Korea in Milton Keynes, then clinched a narrow 1 0 success over Scotland in Liverpool.

Diallo has reiterated his confidence in the ex Nantes and Nice player, who steered the West Africans to glory at the 2023 AFCON, and supports him to guide the three time African winners onto the international platform.

He highlighted that the federation will supply the needed backing and facilities to enable the squad to shine at the World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

"Emerse Fae leads the team and has already achieved impressive feats, taking the country to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title and earning a World Cup spot," Diallo shared with Flashscore.

"It matters that he keeps developing this solid base, and as federation president, I will make sure he gets complete support to thrive.

"He will receive the essential tools and suitable talent to allow the team to excel at its peak worldwide.

"Our goal is straightforward: advance as deeply as we can in the World Cup. Still, we need to stay grounded, concentrate, and labour diligently to reach those aims."

President Diallo showed special delight in Ivory Coast decisive triumph over 2002 World Cup semi finalists South Korea.

All the same, he warned against overconfidence, noting the team is still evolving if they hope to leave a mark at the major tournament.

"It provided a fine chance to challenge one of Asia top sides. They sit 25th globally while we are 34th, so it promised a challenging match.

"We remain in the initial phase of our build up. That match served as a useful trial, but we are far from peak form. Much effort lies ahead, and we must keep driving to progress.

"We avoid rushing ahead. The priority is ongoing hard work and gradual growth to ensure full preparedness when the World Cup begins."

Regarding if the outcomes versus South Korea and Scotland ease concerns for Ivory Coast supporters, upset by the Morocco display, he stated: "As federation president, you cannot let public feelings dictate. Respect fan sentiments, but chiefly, maintain focus on the task.

"In Morocco, we performed to our ability, exerted maximum, yet fell short of the prize.

"Following that, key was reviewing our play and applying fixes to advance.

"We continue to learn and refine daily to strengthen the squad. Our duty is to produce top outcomes for the national side and above all, for Ivory Coast citizens who back us fervently."

Prior to the World Cup, Ivory Coast meets two time champions France on June 4th in Nantes.

The side draws Group E with Germany, Ecuador, and newcomers Curacao. Fae squad starts versus Ecuador on June 14th at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.