Cote d’Ivoire will begin their FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign against Uzbekistan before facing group favourites Italy and Jamaica, with qualification for the second round within reach.
The Ivorian side enter Group E with confidence after a convincing showing at the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, where they finished top of their section. That result has provided an encouraging platform as the Elephanteaux prepare for the global tournament.
Their group contains a clear favourite in Italy, but Cote d’Ivoire will believe they have the quality to challenge for one of the places needed to progress. The team has been praised for its collective technical ability and its attacking efficiency, two qualities that could prove decisive across the three matches.
Cote d’Ivoire’s opening fixture is against Uzbekistan on 20 November, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00. It represents an important first opportunity to establish momentum in a group in which every result could have a major bearing on the final standings.
The Elephanteaux will then face Italy on 23 November at 14:30. Italy are regarded as the leading team in Group E, making the meeting a major test of Cote d’Ivoire’s ambitions. A positive result could significantly strengthen their hopes of reaching the next phase, while also confirming that they can compete with the group’s strongest opponent.
Cote d’Ivoire will complete the first round against Jamaica on 26 November, with the match beginning at 14:00. That final group game could be crucial, depending on the results from the opening two rounds.
Cote d’Ivoire’s Group E fixtures
- 20 November, 16:00: Cote d’Ivoire v Uzbekistan - 23 November, 14:30: Italy v Cote d’Ivoire - 26 November, 14:00: Jamaica v Cote d’Ivoire
The schedule gives Cote d’Ivoire a clear three-match route towards the second round. Their preparations have been helped by the confidence gained from their first-place finish at the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, while their technical quality and ability to threaten in attack offer reasons for optimism.
Italy may start as the strongest side on paper, but Cote d’Ivoire have a significant opportunity to make an impression in the group. If they reproduce the composure and attacking effectiveness shown in their continental campaign, the Elephanteaux could put themselves in contention to move beyond the opening stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.