Elye Wahi has been named on the bench for Ivory Coast ahead of their World Cup Group E clash with Germany in Toronto. The striker, who started and played nearly an hour in Ivory Coast's 1-0 opening win over Ecuador, is under investigation for alleged spot-fixing related to a Ligue 1 match between Nice and Metz on May 17. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) reported an “unusual amount of bets” placed on Wahi receiving a yellow card during that game.
Wahi's travel clearance and squad status
The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) initially stated that Wahi would not be able to enter Canada, but later confirmed on Thursday that “necessary authorisations had been obtained.” The FIF added that Wahi would “continue his participation in the competition alongside his team-mates as normal,” offering their full support and confidence, insisting he “remains an important member” of the team. Despite this, he drops to the bench, with Amad Diallo taking his place in the starting XI.
Germany's unchanged lineup after dominant win
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has no new injury concerns after his side defeated World Cup debutants Curacao 7-1 in their Group E opener in Houston. He has named an identical starting XI to that match. Deniz Undav, who scored two goals and provided two assists off the bench against Curacao, does not start. Reports indicate Nagelsmann rehearsed various formations in training to counter Ivory Coast's pace on the flanks. Germany's bench includes Antonio Rudiger, Leon Goretzka, Undav, and Nick Woltemade. Teenager Lennart Karl was ruled out before the tournament with a thigh injury, replaced by Assan Ouedraogo.
Confirmed lineups
Germany XI: Neuer; Tah, Kimmich, Schlotterbeck, Brown, Pavlovic, Musiala, Wirtz, Sane, Nmecha, Havertz
Ivory Coast XI: Y. Fofana, Konan, Singo, Kossounou, Agbadou, Kessie, Sangare, Oulai, Bonny, Y. Diomande, Diallo
The match kicks off at 9pm BST on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Toronto Stadium, broadcast live on ITV.
