World Cup 2026: Gabon vs Côte d’Ivoire, a showdown for supremacy in Group F | OneFootball

World Cup 2026: Gabon vs Côte d’Ivoire, a showdown for supremacy in Group F

Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire face off in a pivotal clash for the top spot in Group F of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With just one point separating the two sides, this encounter could all but determine who secures direct qualification.

Gabon aims to make a statement at home

Second in Group F with 18 points, Gabon is enjoying an almost flawless campaign. The Panthers have won six of their seven matches, with their only slip-up being a defeat to these same Elephants (1-0) earlier in 2024. Last week, they underlined their strength by cruising to a commanding 4-0 victory over Seychelles.

With a passionate home crowd behind them, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and his teammates know that a victory would see them leapfrog into first place and edge closer to a historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Côte d’Ivoire remains rock solid

On the other side, Côte d’Ivoire boasts a major weapon: an impenetrable defense. The Elephants have yet to concede a goal in seven matches—a record that speaks volumes about their discipline. Undefeated, they have six wins and one draw, which puts them atop the group with a one-point cushion.

Their narrow victory over Burundi (1-0) shows they can grind out results even when not at their dazzling best.

A decisive match for qualification

This head-to-head could decide the fate of the group: