The verdict is in: Elye Wahi (23, 3 caps) will be available for Ivory Coast against Germany this Saturday night (10 p.m. French time) in their second Group E game of the 2026 World Cup — a relief for the entire camp. Here’s what you need to know before kick-off at Toronto’s BMO Field.
This is the kind of news that lifts a squad hours before a big game. Long in doubt for administrative reasons — the OGC Nice striker was held up at the Canadian border until 48 hours before the match — Elye Wahi has finally been cleared and will be able to wear the Elephants’ colours against Germany. Better still: the 23-year-old forward is even tipped to start the game on Saturday at 10 p.m. (French time) at Toronto’s BMO Field, reinforcing an attack that will also lean on the experience of Nicolas Pépé.
The stakes could hardly be higher. Winners over Ecuador on matchday one (1-0, thanks to Amad Diallo), Emerse Faé’s side can take a firm grip on top spot in Group E with another victory. Standing in their way, though, is a serious test: Germany, four-time world champions, opened their campaign by thrashing Curaçao (7-1). But Ivory Coast, reigning African champions, have nothing to lose — and dream of making history, having never gone beyond the group stage of a World Cup. With Wahi available, that continental dream is very much alive.