AFCON Quarter-Final Match: Egypt vs Ivory Coast Team News, XIs and TV Details
A heavyweight Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final takes centre stage on Saturday night as record seven-time champions Egypt national football team meet defending holders Ivory Coast national football team in Agadir, with one of the tournament favourites guaranteed to exit at the last-eight stage.
Egypt arrive in the quarter-finals unbeaten in normal time, continuing a familiar AFCON narrative built on control, discipline and knockout nous rather than attacking spectacle. The Pharaohs needed extra time to see off Benin in the round of 16, with Mohamed Salah eventually settling the tie deep into stoppage time. Aside from a goalless draw in their final group match, Egypt have been flawless, once again finding ways to progress when margins are tight.
Ivory Coast, by contrast, appear to be growing stronger with each round. Seeking to become the first nation since Egypt in 2010 to successfully defend the AFCON title, the Elephants produced one of their most complete performances of the tournament in a comfortable 3–0 win over Burkina Faso. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo was on target again, underlining the confidence and attacking rhythm that has defined their campaign.
History, however, weighs heavily in Egypt’s favour. Ivory Coast have not beaten the Pharaohs at AFCON since 1990, losing finals in 2006 and 2021 and suffering a 4–1 semi-final defeat in 2008. Egypt have also won the last four meetings between the sides, setting up a classic clash between proven tournament pedigree and current momentum.
Team news
Egypt are expected to remain loyal to their back-three system, prioritising structure and defensive control. Head coach Hossam Hassan has a full squad available, with Salah once again the focal point in attack after scoring three goals at this AFCON and ten overall in the competition. Marwan Attia and Hamdy Fathy are set to anchor midfield, while wing-backs Mohamed Hany and Mohamed Hamdy provide width.
Ivory Coast will continue with an expansive 4-3-3 shape that has delivered goals and control in the latter stages of matches. Diallo has been the standout performer, scoring in each of his three starts, supported by the movement of Evann Guessand and Yan Diomandé. Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré offer physicality and balance in midfield, though breaking down Egypt’s compact defensive block remains the key challenge.
Predicted line-ups
Egypt are likely to line up in a 3-5-2 formation with Mohamed El Shenawy in goal behind a back three of Rami Rabia, Hamdy Fathy and Ahmed Ibrahim. Mohamed Hamdy and Mohamed Hany should operate as wing-backs, with Adel, Attia and Trézéguet in midfield. Salah is expected to partner Omar Marmoush in attack.
Ivory Coast should start in a 4-3-3, with Yahia Fofana in goal, protected by Ghislain Konan, Evan Ndicka, Odilon Kossounou and Guéla Doué. Oulaï, Sangaré and Kessié are set to form the midfield trio, allowing Diomandé, Guessand and Diallo to lead the forward line.
Head-to-head
The most recent AFCON meeting between the two sides came in 2022, when Egypt advanced on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Across the last six encounters, Egypt have recorded four wins, Ivory Coast one, with one draw.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Egypt vs Ivory Coast kicks off at 7pm GMT on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The match will be played at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir.
How to watch live Egypt vs Ivory Coast
In the UK, the match will be shown live on E4, with coverage beginning at 3:30pm GMT. Supporters can also stream the game online via the Channel 4 website, the Channel 4 app, or the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.
International viewers can follow the match through major broadcasters worldwide, including Fubo in the USA and Canada, beIN Sports across Australia, Malaysia and the Middle East, FanCode in India, and SuperSport in South and Sub-Saharan Africa.