The 2023 African Cup of Nations Champions are training at the home of the Philadelphia Union while they compete in the World Cup.
The FIFA World Cup begins on Thursday. The first game in Philadelphia, featuring Ivory Coast vs Ecuador, will be at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.
The team from Ivory Coast, nicknamed "Les Elephants" are staying in Wilmington, Delaware. They received a warm welcome over the weekend.
"It's just going to be such an amazing event. So many of our small business owners are going to benefit, and we're very excited to host everyone," said Delaware Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez.
Several elected officials, including Senator Chris Coons and Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, showcased their French in a ceremony at the Hotel DuPont.
"Allez Les Elephants!" cheered Governor Meyer. "I want to be clear- for the next few weeks, I am definitely USA first, but Ivory Coast is a very close second," Meyer added.
"Les Elephants" are the youngest squad in this tournament.
Back at the World Cup for the first time in 12 years, Ivory Coast had a big win against France in their final warmup match.
The team arrived to Wilmington to crowds of fans in bright orange jerseys. Players could be seen taking photos, signing autographs, and high-fiving their fans.
"This is going to be so impactful on the children growing up in our city," said Wilmington Mayor John Carney.
"Football is far more than the sport, it is a universal language that brings nations together," said Yacine Idriss Diallo, president of the Ivorian Football Federation.
"Sport brings out the very best in us even when politics brings out the very worst in us- and so let us be grateful to 'Les Elephants', to the heart of the people Ivorian," said Senator Chris Coons.
Ivory Coast's Monday night friendly at 7 p.m. is against Union II, the MLS NEXT Pro team.
There is also a community training session at Subaru Park on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
The community event and the friendly are free, but you do need a ticket.
For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/cotedivoire.