Ivory Coast stepped up preparations for the 2026 World Cup with a clinical 4-0 friendly victory over South Korea at Stadium MK, showing attacking control and defensive calm as South Korea struck the frame of the goal twice but failed to score.
The result offers a boost for Ivory Coast, who are placed with Germany, Ecuador and Curacao in Group E at this year’s tournament in North America, where third-placed sides will also have a path to the last 32 under the new format.
Recent form underlines Ivory Coast’s progress, with only two defeats in their last 13 matches across all competitions, alongside eight wins and three draws, suggesting a squad gaining rhythm and confidence before facing higher-ranked opponents at the World Cup.
Data from the friendly highlighted Ivory Coast’s attacking efficiency; South Korea produced 12 attempts compared to 13 for Ivory Coast, yet Ivory Coast led the expected goals metric 3.22 to 1.06, underlining the superior quality of opportunities created rather than simply volume of shots.
The opening stages saw South Korea threaten first as Hwang Hee-chan fired wide from the edge of the box, then Seol Young-woo went closer still, curling a strike against the far post as Ivory Coast rode an early spell of pressure.
Ivory Coast then seized control in the 35th minute when Martial Godo drove through contact, stayed on feet and squared for Evann Guessand, who finished firmly to break the deadlock after shrugging off challenges inside the South Korea penalty area.
South Korea almost replied before the break as Seol’s earlier effort off the base of the post remained their nearest moment, but Ivory Coast struck again on the stroke of half-time when Simon Adingra rolled Cho Yu-min, opened up space and bent a composed shot beyond Jo Hyeon-woo.
The third goal arrived shortly after the hour mark, just minutes after captain Son Heung-min entered from the bench, as Guessand’s effort was blocked by Jo, only for Godo to react first and stab the loose ball in from close range.
South Korea continued to search for a response and Lee Kang-in was denied by the woodwork after Son’s introduction, yet Ivory Coast still had time for a fourth when Wilfried Singo met Amad Diallo’s cutback with a low drive into the bottom corner from the final kick of the match.
The 4-0 margin, the xG advantage and Ivory Coast’s extended run of positive results all point to a team entering the 2026 World Cup with belief, while South Korea leave Stadium MK reflecting on missed chances and two shots against the woodwork.