Germany vs Ivory Coast: Wahi Doubt, Predicted XIs and Team News

Elye Wahi's participation for Ivory Coast is in doubt ahead of tonight's World Cup clash with Germany in Toronto. The striker started and played almost an hour in last weekend's 1-0 opening win over Ecuador in Group E, hitting the woodwork early in the second half.

However, Wahi is under investigation for alleged spot-fixing following a Ligue 1 match for Nice against Metz on May 17, for which the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) reported an "unusual amount of bets" placed on him receiving a yellow card. The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) initially stated that Wahi would not be able to enter Canada, but later released a statement on Thursday confirming that the "necessary authorisations had been obtained." The FIF added that Wahi would "continue his participation in the competition alongside his team-mates as normal," offering full support and confidence, insisting he "remains an important member" of the team.

Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether Wahi will start against Germany. Options to replace him include Evann Guessand, Ange-Yoan Bonny, and Oumar Diakite, who could join the attack alongside Nicolas Pepe, Yan Diomande, and Bazoumana Toure. Manchester United's Amad Diallo is pushing for a starting spot after being surprisingly named on the bench against Ecuador, then coming on to score a brilliant 90th-minute winner in Philadelphia.

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Ivory Coast are expected to keep changes minimal after a tense opening victory in which they kept a clean sheet. The back four likely includes Guela Doue, Wilfried Singo, Emmanuel Agbadou, and Ghislain Konan in front of goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. Captain Franck Kessie and Seko Fofana should remain as the central midfield pairing, with Liverpool target Diomande occupying one wing after shining against Ecuador.

For Germany, head coach Julian Nagelsmann reportedly has no new injury concerns after his side thrashed World Cup debutants Curacao 7-1 in Houston. Arsenal forward Kai Havertz scored twice, while Deniz Undav made a strong case for a start with two goals and two assists off the bench. Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, and Nathaniel Brown also scored in a game that was 1-1 after 37 minutes.

Reports suggest Nagelsmann has been rehearsing several formations in training to counter Ivory Coast's pace on the flanks. However, the personnel are expected to remain largely the same, with 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer fit after a calf injury. Joshua Kimmich is a regular at right-back, with Brown on the left and Schlotterbeck alongside Jonathan Tah in central defence. Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlovic formed the midfield pivot last time out, behind an electric front four of Leroy Sane, Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Havertz.

Nagelsmann has options if he wishes to make changes, including Antonio Rudiger, Leon Goretzka, Undav, and Nick Woltemade. Germany's teenage sensation Lennart Karl was ruled out before the tournament with a thigh injury, with Assan Ouedraogo called up as his replacement.