&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "FIFA World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast’s Wahi refused entry to Canada. Here's why")
Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi will not travel to Canada for his team’s important World Cup Group E match against Germany on Saturday. The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) confirmed the news on Thursday (Jun 18), saying that the required permissions for him to enter Canada could not be confirmed. As a result, the 23-year-old OGC Nice forward will stay at the team’s base in Philadelphia while the rest of the squad travels to Toronto for the match at BMO Field.
The development comes shortly after reports revealed that Wahi is being investigated by French authorities over alleged match-fixing. According to reports, he was arrested and questioned by anti-corruption police in France on May 29 before being released without charges. However, the investigation is still ongoing.
The case is linked to a French Ligue 1 match between Nice and FC Metz on May 17.
Football officials became suspicious after betting monitors noticed unusually high betting activity on Wahi receiving a yellow card. During the game, he was booked in the 35th minute, which led to a suspension because it was his fifth yellow card of the season.
Despite the investigation, Wahi was allowed to travel to the United States and played in Ivory Coast’s opening 1-0 victory over Ecuador.
Also Read - Tori Penso set to make history as first American woman to referee men's FIFA World Cup match. Who is she?
Trending Stories
)
Who is Ruchika Singh, booked for using foul language against PM Modi at Jantar Mantar protests?
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
Have 7,000 Karnataka students tested positive for HIV? Here's the truth
)
Sheikh Hasina to make first public appearance since ouster, says 'I may be killed' ahead of Bangladesh return
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
From Tom Holland-Zendaya to Blake Lively-Ryan Reynolds: Actors who met on sets and fell in love and married
)
Fact Check: Viral photo shows Trump leaning in for a kiss with Brigitte Macron. Here is the full truth
)
Kangana Ranaut’s Gen Z U-Turn: Actress-MP wishes youth on Friendship Day after facing backlash over 'Generation Gutter' remark
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
From trash to energy: Scientists turn plastic waste into Hydrogen fuel using a new technique - Here's how
)
5.3-magnitude earthquake jolts Egypt; scary tremors caught on camera | WATCH
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
CJP's Abhijit Dipke speaks to protesting students in Jharkhand, extends support to their demands: Will he go to Ranchi?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Italy will not...’: Meloni threatens Spain’s Schengen access after thousands enter Ceuta from Morocco
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian jets use heavier steel compared to US jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 openers with fastest ODI centuries, check who tops list
)
Nick Jonas' July photo dump featuring Priyanka Chopra and Malti Marie leaves fans gushing over family bond
)
World's largest digital camera captures over 500,000 galaxies, 50,000 stars in one stunning image
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
)
‘Pakistan eroded India's faith bit by bit’: Indian envoy defends putting Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Fifth-generation fighters': Can the S-400 shoot down an F-35?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
One S-400 battery, dozens of targets: How it fights an air battle in seconds
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How often does an S-400 need maintenance?
)
'FIR not withdrawn' against Noida teen who 'abused' PM Modi despite apology, claims CJP
)
'Muslims should not befriend kaafirs': Pak Army DG says India-Afghan ties that of 'master-slave'
)
At least 3 killed in mass shooting at Idaho restaurant, shocking video of gunman open firing with AR-style rifle surfaces
)
'Living Nostradamus' warns of a new war, claims two of his 2026 predictions have come true
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Pakistan Broad Peak avalanche: Body of US's Mallory Geis identified; Nirmal Purja, 9 others remain missing
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Can an S-400 detect a bird?
)
Iran says Oman talks on new Strait of Hormuz transit route near completion
)
Spain-Israel social media feud erupts after Ceuta migrant crisis: Why Israel is being linked
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter pilots wear blue flight suits compared to US pilots
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
August 2025 movie release calendar: Toxic, Batwara 1947, Awarapan 2 and all big-ticket films hitting theatres
)
Canada vs Qatar Photograph: (WION)
In an official statement, the FIF said: "In this particularly delicate period, the FIF extends all its support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him. Elye Wahi remains an important element of the Ivory Coast national team."
Wahi is the second player to face entry issues in Canada during this World Cup. Earlier in the week, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was also denied entry before his team’s match in Toronto.
His absence is a significant setback for Ivory Coast, especially with the match against Germany likely to determine the winner of Group E. Coach Emerse Fae will now have to adjust his attacking plans without one of his key forwards.
