Elye Wahi holds his nerve as Emerse Fae prepares to name Ivory Coast squad for 2026 World Cup

OGC Nice forward Elye Wahi is staying calm and focused as Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae prepares to announce his final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Ivorian striker has revealed that Fae played a decisive role in his career reset last winter, encouraging him to join the French outfit on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt in a move designed to restore confidence and reignite his international ambitions.

Wahi arrived in Ligue 1 determined to rebuild momentum and force his way back into national team contention ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. That decision, he admits, was strongly influenced by the trust shown in him by the Ivory Coast coach.

Speaking to L’Équipe, Wahi explained that Fae’s belief in his profile and playing style gave him the confidence to make the switch to Nice, believing the environment would help him rediscover his best level.

The forward earned his first senior call-up for Ivory Coast during the March 2026 international window, marking a key milestone in a journey that had recently been defined by uncertainty and the need for a fresh start.

For Wahi, the move was never just about club football — it was a direct route back into the national team picture.

“Making the national team was a goal when I came here,” he said, reflecting on his decision. “I put my trust in coach Fae; he felt that with my temperament, it would work out in Nice. And he put his trust in me. I earned my first call-up before the World Cup, which made me happy.”

Since then, Wahi has featured in Ivory Coast’s recent international fixtures, where he delivered encouraging performances and strengthened his case for inclusion in the final squad.

Despite increasing debate around selection and competition for attacking places, the striker is refusing to get carried away ahead of the official announcement.

“I won’t say anything until the squad is announced,” he added. “But it’s fine, I didn’t play badly against Scotland.”

His measured response reflects a player who is aware that the final decision is still out of his hands, even as confidence builds around his recent displays.

Wahi’s resurgence comes at an important time for Ivory Coast, with the reigning African champions working to balance experience and youth as they prepare for football’s biggest stage.

Emerse Fae is expected to finalise a competitive squad capable of challenging at the World Cup, with emerging talents like Wahi vying for a place among established names.

For the striker, however, the focus remains simple: stay ready, stay composed, and wait for the call that could define the next chapter of his international career.