World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast team safe after Wilmington shooting incident, Federation confirms

The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has reassured supporters that the national team was not affected by a reported shooting incident in Wilmington, Delaware, as the Elephants continue their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Concerns emerged after reports of a shooting in the Wilmington area, prompting speculation about the safety of teams based nearby during the tournament.

However, the federation moved swiftly to clarify the situation, emphasizing that the incident had no connection whatsoever to the Ivory Coast delegation.

In an official statement, FIF confirmed that the shooting occurred in the vicinity of a local hospital and was unrelated to the team’s activities or accommodation arrangements.

The federation further stated that all players, technical staff, and officials remain safe and secure, with preparations for the country’s upcoming World Cup fixture continuing without disruption.

“All members of the delegation are safe and carrying on with their preparations as planned,” the federation said, seeking to allay fears among supporters both at home and abroad.

FIF also expressed its appreciation to FIFA and the United States authorities for their prompt response to the security situation, highlighting the measures taken to ensure the safety of all participating teams and tournament personnel.

The federation stressed that the Elephants remain fully focused on their World Cup campaign and are determined to build on the momentum generated by their impressive opening victory.

Ivory Coast made a strong start to the tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ecuador, a result that boosted their hopes of progressing from a challenging group.

Attention now turns to their next assignment, a highly anticipated clash against Germany. The encounter is expected to provide a significant test of the West Africans’ credentials as they seek to secure a place in the knockout stages.

With security concerns addressed and the squad fully concentrated on football matters, the Elephants will be aiming to carry their winning form into what promises to be one of the standout matches of the group phase.