Ivory Coast recovers Wahi for Germany showdown

The Ivory Coast Elephants have secured forward Elye Wahi's Canadian visa needed for their Group E clash against Germany in Toronto on June 20, 2026. After an initial denial tied to spot‑fixing allegations, Canadian authorities finally approved his entry, allowing manager Patrice Beaumelle to count on his key striker.

Why was the visa delayed?

The first refusal stemmed from a request for more details on Wahi's legal situation. Ligue 1 had alerted French police to a possible sports fraud after a suspicious yellow card was given to Wahi in a 0‑0 draw with Metz in late May 2026. Marseille prosecutors confirmed the player’s arrest on May 29, 2026, but he was released without formal charges. His lawyer, Marie Dose, emphasized that he faces no judicial restrictions at this stage.

Impact on the Elephants' campaign

Coach Beaumelle reiterated that Wahi, who scored the opening goal in the 1‑0 win over Ecuador, is “an important element for the Elephants.” His absence could have weakened an attack already bruised by the 2‑1 loss to Germany on June 20, 2026. The team’s recent form stands at 2 wins, 0 draws and 3 losses (LWLLW, most recent first), highlighting inconsistency that the coach hopes to fix with Wahi’s return.

What lies ahead in the tournament?

After the Germany match, the Elephants face Curaçao in the United States on June 25, 2026. Thomas Partey’s situation remains uncertain after his visa was denied amid serious accusations in the UK. The Ivorian federation pledged support for Wahi while monitoring the ongoing investigations. The next challenge will be turning Wahi’s presence into decisive goals to keep hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.

The broader scandal context

The LFP filed an official complaint for “facts that could constitute sporting fraud and organized corruption.” The case highlights the growing risk of illegal betting in European football and reminds that even young talents like the 23‑year‑old, born in France and on loan at Nice, are not immune to scrutiny. For Ivory Coast fans, on‑field performance remains paramount, but the legal cloud continues to hover over the player’s future.