After missing the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Nicolas Pépé is back in the Côte d’Ivoire national team this March. The Villarreal winger takes advantage of Yan Diomandé’s withdrawal due to a shoulder injury sustained on Friday, March 20, during a Bundesliga match with RB Leipzig.

Pépé will feature in the two upcoming friendly matches scheduled during the FIFA window against South Korea and Scotland.

The first game is set for March 28, 2026, at MK Stadium, where the Elephants will face the Taeguk Warriors, the nickname of the South Korean team. The second match will take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, with Emerse Fae’s squad taking on Scotland.

These two friendlies represent a valuable opportunity for Nicolas Pépé to prove himself to the coach, especially after missing out on the AFCON 2025 selection.