Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi started against Ecuador in a group stage opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday in Philadelphia. Photo by Shawn Thew/EPA
June 18 (UPI) -- Forward Elye Wahi, who is under investigation for suspected match fixing, was denied entry into Canada for the 2026 World Cup, the Ivorian Football Federation announced Thursday
Wahi started during Ivory Coast's 1-0 win over Ecuador on Sunday in Philadelphia. The Ivorians will take on Germany in their second Group E match Saturday in Toronto.
"In this particularly delicate period, the FIF extends all its support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him," the federation said. "Elye Wahi remains an important element of the Ivory Coast national team.
"The federation also informs that the player will not be able to join the delegation's trip to Canada. Indeed, the necessary administrative authorizations for his entry into Canadian territory could not be obtained at this stage. Elye Wahi will therefore remain in the United States pending the team's return. The Ivorian Football Federation will continue to follow the situation closely and will communicate any useful official information."
