The Elephants, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2014, boast the best young player in the German Bundesliga.

The 19-year-old scooped the Rookie of the Season award after his 12 goals and eight assists helped RB Leipzig finish third and return to the Champions League.

As a result, he has been linked with big money moves to the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea.

Diomande, who started four of his country’s five games at Afcon 2025, attempted more dribbles and won more duels than anyone else in the Bundesliga in 2025-26, with his skill in one-on-one situations making him a dangerous attacking threat.

Group E opponents Germany will therefore know all about his abilities, and the Ivorians will also face Ecuador and debutants Curacao.