Inter Milan forward Ange-Yoan Bonny has switched international eligibility to play for Ivory Coast ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with FIFA confirming the approval on Friday.
The 22-year-old, who previously represented France at Under-21 level, is now eligible to feature for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations champions through family heritage, in line with FIFA eligibility rules.
The approval followed formal clearance from the French Football Federation and was officially announced by FIFA.
Bonny’s switch makes him available for Ivory Coast’s World Cup campaign, where the West African nation has been drawn in Group F alongside Germany, Ecuador and Curaçao. Two of their group matches will be played in Philadelphia, while another will take place in Toronto.
The forward, who joined Inter Milan from Parma, has enjoyed an impressive debut season in Italy, scoring seven goals in all competitions.
He has also featured in all 10 of Inter’s UEFA Champions League matches this season, starting twice, while contributing three assists despite not registering a goal in the competition.
Bonny’s decision is seen as a boost for Ivory Coast as they prepare for another major international tournament following their continental success.
