The Ivory Coast national team has called up promising midfielder Mohammed Diomande for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Kenya next month.
It comes just a week after the 21-year-old confirmed his allegiance to Ivory Coast after swerving interest from Ghana.
Diomande, who was raised in Ghana and came through the Right to Dream Academy, had been previously approached about representing the Ghanaian national team by coach Otto Addo for friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda in March.
However, the Ivorian Football Association ultimately persuaded the young talent to pledge his international allegiance to the Ivory Coast, the country of his birth. This call-up will mark Diomande’s debut for the Ivorian national side.
Currently starring for Scottish club Rangers, Diomande has drawn rave reviews for his performances in midfield and on the wing this season. His inclusion provides another talented option for the Ivory Coast’s engine room.
The reigning African champions lead their World Cup qualifying Group F with six points from their first two matches. They host Gabon on June 19 before traveling to face Kenya four days later.
Diomande’s path from being raised at Ghana’s renowned Right to Dream Academy to now representing the Ivory Coast national team is an intriguing story. The Ivorian FA succeeded in their pursuit, seeing the promising youngster as a key part of the country’s future squads.
His international debut could come against Gabon or Kenya as the Ivory Coast aim to solidify their grip on the group en route to the 2026 World Cup finals.
