Weeks away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé has released his squad. Elye Wahi joins 16 other Ligue 1-based players in the group — 17 representatives from France’s top flight in total — underlining the French league’s status as a powerhouse for African football talent.
Emerse Faé has named his Ivory Coast squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 17 players from Ligue 1 making the cut, including forward Elye Wahi. The selection reinforces the growing influence of the French league as a launchpad for world-class African players, and signals Faé’s confidence in a generation forged in one of Europe’s most competitive domestic competitions.
For the Elephants, ambitions are high following their 2024 Africa Cup of Nations triumph on home soil. Faé is blending experience with youthful energy, and Wahi’s inclusion epitomizes that refreshed attacking identity. All eyes will be on Ivory Coast this summer as they look to make a deep run at football’s biggest stage.