Clement Akpa ruled out of the 2026 World Cup

Emerse Fae has called up Christopher Operi to replace him.

This is a major blow for the Ivory Coast Elephants just a few weeks before the kick-off of the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Initially selected by Emerse Fae, Clement Akpa will not be part of the squad travelling to the US.

The Ivorian defender has suffered an injury and has withdrawn, the Ivorian Football Federation announced on Friday 29 May. Faced with this situation, the Elephants’ manager wasted no time in finding a replacement. Emerse Fae has called up reserve player Christopher Operi.