Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WILL FRANCK KESSIÉ PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
Franck Kessié, the powerful Ivorian midfielder known for his strength, penalty-taking accuracy, and ability to dominate the midfield, remains one of the most prominent figures in African football. At 28, the former AC Milan and Barcelona player is enjoying a period of footballing maturity in Saudi Arabia, where he continues to display the intensity and leadership that propelled him to the European elite. But the big question on everyone's mind is: will we see Kessié lead Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup? In this article, we analyze his current form, his role with the Ivorian national team, his most recent statistics, and the key factors that will determine whether he will be present in North America.
His current situation at Al-Ahli and his competitive level
Franck Kessié joined Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia in 2023, after his time at Barcelona. Although many believed that his departure from Europe would be an early retirement from competitive football, the Ivorian midfielder has proven otherwise. In Saudi football, he has transformed into a decisive player, leading from midfield with his physical strength and vision.
During the 2024–2025 season, Kessié has played more than 40 matches between the league and international tournaments, scoring 10 goals and providing 7 assists. His ability to win back possession, distribute accurately, and get forward into the opposition's penalty area keeps him as a world-class midfielder. Furthermore, he is the designated penalty taker and often acts as team captain, demonstrating his influence in the locker room. The Heart of the Midfield: Kessié combines muscle and brains. His style is characterized by power, but also by surprising composure in key moments. At Al-Ahli, he plays as a box-to-box midfielder, with the freedom to break lines and get into the opposition's penalty area. His offensive contribution has increased, thanks to his goal-scoring instinct and his ability to decide matches with long-range shots. He averages 2.3 shots per game in the Saudi league. He has an 88% passing accuracy in the opponent's half. He has converted 19 of his last 20 penalties for club and country. He is Al-Ahli's captain in 2025 and one of the most influential players in the tournament. Despite the difference in pace compared to European leagues, Kessié remains in top form. His tactical discipline, physical strength, and leadership have established him as an irreplaceable player for both his club and the national team. The Al-Ahli coach himself recently described him as "a machine that never shuts off."
The Silent Leader of the “Elephants”
Since his debut with the Ivorian national team in 2014, Franck Kessié has been a key player in midfield. With over 70 international caps, he has participated in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where Ivory Coast displayed dynamic football, although they failed to advance beyond the group stage. His experience in Europe and his composure in difficult moments make him a role model for the younger players in the squad.
Currently, the team managed by Jean-Louis Gasset is committed to a blend of youth and experience, and Kessié is the perfect balance between the two. His connection with players like Sébastien Haller, Nicolas Pépé, and Seko Fofana is one of the strengths of the African team, which is looking to make a strong comeback on the world stage.
National Team Statistics
Over 70 international appearances for Ivory Coast.
15 goals and 10 assists for the Elephants.
90% penalty conversion rate for the national team.
Averages 9 recoveries and 2 key passes per game.
In the African Qualifiers On the road to the 2026 World Cup, Kessié has been the driving force of the team. His presence is felt from the first minute: he organizes, presses, and pushes the rest of the team to maintain the intensity. In several matches, he has captained the side, demonstrating that his leadership is natural and respected. The Ivorian midfielder has also evolved in his emotional maturity. Once impulsive, he is now more thoughtful, the kind of player who controls the tempo of the game and knows when to slow down or accelerate. His experience at elite clubs, such as Milan and Barcelona, has honed his decision-making, making him the most reliable midfielder on the continent.
How likely is he to be at the World Cup?
Ivory Coast is among the African favorites to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. With a balanced generation of players and a solid defense, the Elephants want to shine again like in the golden era of Drogba and Yaya Touré. And Kessié is the natural heir to that legacy. Everything points to him being part of the squad that travels to North America, provided he stays healthy.
Keys to his presence in 2026
Physical condition: His greatest strength has always been his physique. Maintaining his level of performance and competitive rhythm will be crucial. Continuity at his club: Being an undisputed starter at Al-Ahli guarantees him rhythm and confidence. Commitment to the national team: Kessié has never shied away from representing his country, even when his schedule in Europe was demanding. Ivory Coast's qualification: With the new expanded 48-team format, the odds of qualification are high. If Ivory Coast qualifies, Kessié will arrive with just the right experience and the necessary leadership to command the team. At 29 years old in 2026, he will be in his prime, with the perfect balance of strength, maturity, and tactical awareness. He's the type of player who can make the difference in a short tournament.
Interesting facts about Kessié
As a child, he dreamed of being a military pilot, like his father, who passed away when he was 11.
At AC Milan, he was known by his nickname "Il Presidente" (The President) because of his strong character and his habit of celebrating goals with a military salute.
He speaks French, Italian, English, and a local dialect from Ivory Coast.
He was key to Milan's 2021–22 Serie A title, after 11 years without winning the championship.
He has a 95% penalty conversion rate throughout his professional career.
Beyond his numbers, Kessié represents something deeper: the consistency, sacrifice, and passion of an African footballer who never stopped fighting. His story inspires not only Ivorians but any football lover who values dedication over glamour.
So, if someone asks, "Will Franck Kessié play in the 2026 World Cup?", the most likely answer is a resounding yes. With his leadership, composure, and commitment, he will be one of the pillars of an Ivory Coast team that promises to put up a fight on the biggest stage. Kessié is not just a midfielder; It is the engine, the balance, and above all, the competitive soul of the "Elephants".
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