WAFCON 2026: “We have a say in this,” says Reynald Pedros ahead of Ivory Coast’s quarter-final against Algeria

The head coach of the Ivory Coast women’s national team believes his side can impose their style of play to overcome the Algerian hurdle and reach the last four of the tournament.

On the eve of Ivory Coast’s quarter-final against Algeria at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Reynald Pedros appeared confident. The Elephants’ manager believes his team will need to show a completely different side defensively whilst retaining their attacking qualities.

At a pre-match press conference, the French tactician also highlighted his players’ mindset ahead of this decisive fixture, scheduled for Saturday 8 August at 5 pm GMT.

“We’ve performed well going forward, but we also need to be solid defensively and mentally. We’ll prepare for this match by playing to our strengths. We’ll try to impose our style of play. We know it will be a tough match; it may well come down to the finer details. But we have a say in this quarter-final. We’re preparing ourselves well mentally.”

The Ivory Coast team finished top of Group B in the first round of the tournament, which is being held in Morocco.