France-born striker Elye Wahi nearing Ivory Coast national team switch

France-born forward Elye Wahi is edging closer to representing Ivory Coast national football team after moving a step nearer to receiving a biometric passport that would allow him to switch international allegiance.

The 23-year-old attacker, currently with OGC Nice, has previously played for France at youth level but is set to pledge his international future to Ivory Coast, the country of his family heritage.

Once the documentation process is completed, Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae is expected to have the forward available as part of his plans for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

Wahi’s arrival would offer the Elephants another attacking option as they prepare for the tournament, where Ivory Coast have been placed in Group E alongside Germany national football team, Ecuador national football team and Curaçao national football team.

The striker’s path to international football has so far been tied to France, having represented the country at youth level during his early development.

However, with eligibility through his Ivorian roots, the move to join the Elephants appears increasingly likely.

Before attention turns fully to the World Cup, Ivory Coast are scheduled to play two international friendlies later this month.

They will face South Korea national football team on 28 March before taking on Scotland national football team three days later.

Those matches are expected to provide Fae with an opportunity to assess his squad ahead of the global tournament, while also helping the team build momentum against strong opposition.

For Wahi, the completion of his nationality paperwork could mark the beginning of a new chapter in his international career.

If finalised in time, the forward could soon become part of Ivory Coast’s plans as the West African side aims to compete strongly on football’s biggest stage in 2026.