Ivory Coast have received a major boost ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E clash against Germany after striker Elye Wahi was cleared to enter Canada following a reversal of an earlier visa decision.
Canadian authorities had initially rejected Wahi’s visa application, raising concerns over his availability for the Elephants’ upcoming fixture in Toronto. However, the decision has now been overturned, making the forward eligible to join the Ivorian squad for the encounter.
The development comes just a day after reports emerged that Wahi had been arrested by French police on May 29 over alleged match-fixing offences. The allegations sparked uncertainty regarding both his legal situation and his participation in the World Cup.
Despite the controversy, the reversal of the visa ruling means the striker is now free to travel to Canada and could feature for Ivory Coast when they take on Germany in a key Group E match.
Wahi’s availability is a significant boost for the Elephants, who began their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador and are aiming to strengthen their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
The Ivorian Football Federation has continued to support the player, maintaining that it has not received any official notification of legal or administrative proceedings against him.
Ivory Coast will now hope Wahi’s return to the squad can provide additional firepower as they prepare for one of their toughest tests of the tournament against Germany in Toronto.
