Auxerre’s Clément Akpa defender called up to Ivory Coast squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers | OneFootball

One of AJ Auxerre’s standout defensive players in Ligue 1 this season earned his first international call-up on Monday.

Clément Akpa (23) was named in the Ivory Coast squad for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Burundi on March 21 and Gambia three days later.

Born in the Parisian suburb of Meudon, Akpa has featured in 23 Ligue 1 fixtures this season and is currently second on the team for clearances per 90 (4.8) and accurate long balls per 90 (3.3).

Ivorian manager Emerse Faé, who himself was also born in France (Nantes), watched the Auxerre defender play in January versus Lille OSC, according to L’Équipe, in a match that ended in a 0-0 draw.  Akpa has started in his team’s last three domestic affairs, with L’AJA posting two clean sheets over that stretch, including last weekend in a 2-0 triumph over Stade de Reims.

Akpa was previously selected to the Ivory Coast’s U23 squad in March 2024. After four qualifiers, the Elephants lead their qualification group with 10 points, one more than Gabon.

First place in the group would earn them an automatic place in the finals next year in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The Elephants haven’t qualified for a World Cup since 2014 in Brazil.

GFFN | Joel Lefevre