2006 Ivory Coast Home – Didier Drogba #11 Large

The 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany marked a historic milestone for Ivory Coast national football team, as Les Éléphants made their first-ever World Cup appearance. Managed by Henri Michel, Ivory Coast arrived with a golden generation emerging from Europe’s top leagues, tasked with introducing Ivorian football to the global stage.

Drawn into one of the toughest groups of the tournament — Group C alongside Argentina, the Netherlands, and Serbia & Montenegro — Ivory Coast faced an immediate trial by fire. They opened with a narrow 2–1 defeat to Argentina, followed by another 2–1 loss to the Netherlands, both matches showcasing competitiveness but also inexperience at the highest level. With qualification already out of reach, Ivory Coast closed their campaign with a commanding 3–2 victory over Serbia & Montenegro, securing the nation’s first World Cup win and exiting with pride intact.

Despite elimination at the group stage, Ivory Coast earned widespread respect for their attacking ambition, physical presence, and refusal to play cautiously. The tournament laid the foundation for future success, including multiple Africa Cup of Nations runs and repeat World Cup qualifications.

The 2006 Ivory Coast home kit, produced by Puma, was vibrant and unmistakable. Featuring a bright orange base with white and green trim, the shirt mirrored the colors of the national flag and embodied the team’s fearless identity. Bold, energetic, and iconic, it has since become a sought-after vintage football shirt, synonymous with Ivory Coast’s arrival on the world stage.

2. Player’s Impact – Didier Drogba

The 2006 World Cup was the moment Didier Drogba officially announced himself as Africa’s premier striker on the global stage. Fresh off a prolific season with Chelsea, Drogba entered the tournament as Ivory Coast’s captain, leader, and emotional heartbeat.

Drogba appeared in all three group matches, scoring 2 goals, including a powerful strike against Argentina and another in the dramatic win over Serbia & Montenegro. Operating as a central forward, he combined raw physicality with intelligent movement, relentless pressing, and the ability to create chances independently against elite defenders.

Beyond goals, Drogba’s influence was transformational. He led from the front, demanding belief and confidence from a squad experiencing the World Cup for the first time. His hold-up play allowed Ivory Coast to advance collectively, while his presence alone forced opponents to adjust defensive shapes.

This tournament solidified Drogba as more than a club star — it established him as a continental icon. His leadership during and after the competition would shape Ivory Coast’s golden era, culminating in future AFCON finals and multiple World Cup appearances. Germany 2006 stands as the beginning of Drogba’s legendary international legacy.

3. Full Squad List (Ivory Coast – 2006 World Cup, Germany)

Manager: Henri Michel

Goalkeepers:
Boubacar Barry, Didier Drogba (no), correcting:
Boubacar Barry, Jean-Jacques Tizié, Sylvain Gbohouo

Defenders:
Kolo Touré, Emmanuel Eboué, Steve Gohouri, Cyril Domoraud, Arthur Boka, Bakary Koné

Midfielders:
Yaya Touré, Didier Zokora, Didier Drogba (no), correcting:
Yaya Touré, Didier Zokora, Emerse Faé, Gilles Yapi Yapo, Romaric

Forwards:
Didier Drogba (captain), Bonaventure Kalou, Aruna Dindane, Salomon Kalou, Arouna Koné