‘We could call it racist’ – Ivory Coast boss sad at Schweinsteiger comments

Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae has criticised former Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger after comments about the team’s playing style sparked controversy during the 2026 World Cup.

Schweinsteiger, speaking as a pundit before Germany’s group-stage match against Ivory Coast, described the Ivorian side as “a bit African football,” adding that they were “not so conditioned by tactics” and could appear “wild” and unpredictable.

Following Ivory Coast’s qualification for the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history, Fae expressed disappointment at the remarks, suggesting they reflected outdated perceptions of African football.

Schweinsteiger’s comments came before Germany’s 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in their Group E encounter on June 20.

Speaking after Ivory Coast’s 2-0 win over Curacao in Philadelphia, which secured their place in the last 32, Fae said he had respected Schweinsteiger as a player but was troubled by his analysis.

“Schweinsteiger was a very good player; I have always loved him as a midfielder and the way he understood football. When I heard his comments, I was disappointed in the man.”

He went further, stating that the remarks could be interpreted as offensive.

“It is odd he would speak that way. We could call it racist, if we were calling a spade a spade.”

Fae insisted that African teams are often unfairly stereotyped and emphasised that Ivory Coast’s success in the tournament is proof of their tactical and technical strength.

“All I can show is that on the pitch African teams are not just physical, we are technical and tactical.”

He also suggested the comments may have been made for attention, rather than as a serious assessment.

The remarks have already triggered debate in German media, with former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp declining to comment when asked about the controversy during a press appearance in New York.

Despite the criticism, Ivory Coast have impressed in the tournament, beating Ecuador and Curacao to reach the knockout stages, where they will face either France or Norway in Arlington, Texas.