Philadelphia Union and Ivory Coast fans filled the stands at Subaru Park for a friendly Monday night match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ivory Coast's 2-1 victory over France on Thursday was only a friendly win against a much-changed Bleus side, sure, but was there enough evidence to suggest the Elephants can be real FIFA World Cup threats?

Germany vs Ivory Coast will face off in Group E, both looking for a win that would move them closer to the next round. The Europeans are favorites, but they can’t afford to take an always-dangerous African side lightly.

This is Les Elephants' final warm-up, while Les Bleus have one more friendly to come next week. France, who have reached the past two finals, have won eight of their last nine internationals, a run that's included victories over Germany and Brazil,

Team Cote d’Ivoire arrived in Philadelphia and will be staying in Wilmington throughout the first rounds of the World Cup. NBC10’s Siobhan McGirl has the story.

While the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington has attracted a flood of famous visitors over the years, hosting soccer stars is the new wave there.

The Ivorians showed much fortitude two years ago when they won the African title on home soil after almost being eliminated in the first round and changing coaches midway through the tournament.

After missing out on recent tournaments, African giants Ivory Coast return to the global stage at the 2026 World Cup. Led by AFCON-winning coach Emerse Faé and anchored by Franck Kessié, this rewritten Elephants side is blending experience with a thrilling new generation of talent—spearheaded by Manchester United’s Amad Diallo and RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande.