Cote d’Ivoire delivered a commanding performance to secure a big 4–0 victory over South Korea today in England, in a key friendly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Facing the Taegeuk Warriors for just the second time in their history, Cote d’Ivoire controlled the match from start to finish, combining physical intensity with attacking efficiency.
Evann Guessand opened the scoring in the 35th minute, finishing with his right foot after a well-worked move involving Martial Godo. Just before halftime, Simon Adingra doubled the lead in stoppage time, giving Cote d’Ivoire full control heading into the break.
🚨🚨| GOAL: FANTASTIC FINISH FROM SIMON ADINGRA!!
South Korea 0-2 Côte d’Ivoire
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) March 28, 2026
The second half followed the same pattern. Martial Godo, one of the standout performers, made it 3–0 in the 58th minute from a corner situation. Wilfried Singo then added a fourth goal deep into stoppage time, converting a precise assist from Amad Diallo.
Cote d’Ivoire’s dominance was also reflected in the numbers, registering eight shots on target compared to just two for South Korea. Despite having moments of possession, the Korean side struggled to create real danger and lacked cutting edge in the final third.
The match held symbolic value for South Korea as it marked the 1000th official game in their history, but the occasion ended in disappointment against a sharper and more clinical opponent.
Stars Son Heung-min and Amad Diallo both started on the bench before coming on in the second half, as both teams rotated their squads in this preparation phase.
Following this Saturday’s match, both teams will continue their preparations with a series of friendlies. South Korea will face Austria on March 31 with kickoff scheduled for 19:45.
Cote d’Ivoire are set for a busy schedule, taking on Scotland on March 31 in Liverpool (19:30 GMT) before facing France on June 4 in Nantes at the Stade de la Beaujoire.
