FIFA has officially named Côte d'Ivoire as the youngest squad at the ongoing 2026 World Cup. The world football governing body made the announcement on its official World Cup X handle on Sunday, June 14, as the Elephants prepared for their first match in the expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Average Age of 25.8 Years
FIFA wrote: "Introducing Côte d'Ivoire… Youngest squad at the FIFA World Cup 2026," with "Average age: 25.8." The Ivorian team boasts a youthful roster, with RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, born on November 14, 2006, as the youngest player in the squad.
Exciting Young Generation
Diomande is part of an exciting generation that includes several players under 25 years old. Among them are Bazoumana Touré (TSG Hoffenheim), Christ Inao Oulai (Trabzonspor), Evann Guessand (Crystal Palace), Guela Doué (Strasbourg), Amad Diallo (Manchester United), Mohamed Koné (Charleroi), Oumar Diakité (Cercle Brugge), Elye Wahi (Nice), Simon Adingra (Monaco), Ange-Yoan Bonny (Inter Milan), and Ousmane Diomande (Sporting CP).
Other Nations with Young Squads
Other nations with the most young players include Ecuador (average age 26 years, 28 days), Morocco (26 years, 144 days), Bosnia and Herzegovina (26 years, 154 days), Tunisia (26 years, 235 days), Spain (26 years, 273 days), Norway (26 years, 293 days), and South Africa (26 years, 295 days).
