- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Ivory Coast Dealt Huge Blow Ahead of Germany Clash as Wahi is Denied Entry into Canada
The Ivory Coast national team has suffered a setback ahead of its crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E encounter against Germany, with striker Elye Wahi ruled out of the trip to Canada due to unresolved travel documentation.
The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) confirmed on Thursday that the 23-year-old forward will not join the squad for their upcoming match because the administrative authorisations required for entry into Canada have not yet been secured.
The development comes at a delicate moment for Wahi, who has recently been linked to a French investigation into alleged sports corruption. French authorities are examining unusual betting patterns surrounding a yellow card the forward received while playing for OGC Nice last month.
Despite the reports, Wahi has not been named as a suspect in the investigation. According to French prosecutors, a 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was taken into custody on May 29 as part of an inquiry involving suspected organised fraud, sports corruption, handling stolen goods and money laundering. Authorities have not publicly identified the player involved.
Amid growing attention surrounding the case, the Ivorian Football Federation moved quickly to express its support for the striker.
In an official statement, the federation stressed that it had not received any formal notification of legal or administrative proceedings involving the player. “To date, the FIF has not been officially notified of any legal or administrative proceedings concerning him,” the statement said.
The federation also reiterated its confidence in Wahi and emphasized his importance to the national team setup. “During this particularly difficult period, the FIF offers its full support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him. Elye Wahi remains an important member of the Ivory Coast national team.”
While speculation surrounding the investigation has attracted headlines, FIF clarified that Wahi’s absence from the Germany match is purely administrative. The federation explained that the necessary travel documents for entry into Canada had not been finalized in time for the team’s departure.
As a result, Wahi will remain in the United States while the rest of the squad travels north for the Group E fixture. He is expected to rejoin the team after their return from Canada.
The absence leaves Ivory Coast without one of its emerging attacking options as they prepare to face a Germany side brimming with confidence.
The Elephants opened their World Cup campaign with an impressive 1-0 victory over Ecuador, putting them in a strong position in Group E.
Germany, however, head into the contest after producing one of the most dominant performances of the tournament so far, thrashing Curaçao 7-1 in their opening match.
With qualification from the group at stake, Ivory Coast will now have to navigate one of their toughest tests of the tournament without Wahi.
