Germany vs Ivory Coast: Confirmed Lineups, Team News, Injury Updates for World Cup Clash

Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae faces a selection dilemma regarding Elye Wahi ahead of Saturday's World Cup Group E encounter against Germany in Toronto. The striker started and played nearly an hour in the 1-0 opening victory over Ecuador last weekend, hitting the woodwork early in the second half.

Wahi's Future in Doubt

Wahi is under investigation for alleged spot-fixing following 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 him receiving a yellow card. The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) initially stated that Wahi would not be allowed to enter Canada, but later confirmed on Thursday 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 expressing confidence that he "remains an important member" of the squad.

However, it remains uncertain whether Wahi will start against Germany. Alternatives 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 benched against Ecuador, then coming on to score a brilliant 90th-minute winner in Philadelphia.

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Ivory Coast's Tactical Setup

Fae is expected to keep changes to a minimum after a tense but tight opening victory that included a clean sheet. The back four is likely to consist of Guela Doue, Wilfried Singo, Emmanuel Agbadou, and Ghislain Konan in front of goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. Captain Franck Kessie and Seko Fofana should retain their places in central midfield, with Liverpool transfer target Diomande occupying one of the wings after impressing against Ecuador.

Germany's Strong Start

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

Reports from Germany indicate that Nagelsmann has been experimenting with various formations in training this week, primarily focused on countering Ivory Coast's pace on the flanks. Nevertheless, the personnel are expected to remain largely unchanged. Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, 40, was passed fit to make his international return against Curacao after recovering from a calf injury. Joshua Kimmich continues as a regular at right-back, with Brown on the left and Schlotterbeck partnering Jonathan Tah in central defence.

Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlovic formed the midfield pivot in the last match, supporting an electric and interchangeable front four of Leroy Sane, Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Havertz. Nagelsmann has plenty of options if he decides to make changes, including Antonio Rudiger, Leon Goretzka, Undav, and Nick Woltemade. Germany were dealt a blow before the tournament when Bayern Munich's teenage sensation Lennart Karl was ruled out with a thigh injury, with Assan Ouedraogo called up as his replacement.