Evan Ndicka

N'dicka (hamstring) will miss Ivory Coast's World Cup opener against Ecuador after failing to fully recover from the hamstring tear he sustained in his right leg during the Serie A fixture between Roma and Lazio on May 17, according to coach Emerse Fae, per Fox Deportes. "I am not going to say that everything is going well in the medical room, but with the exception of N'dicka, everyone will be able to play tomorrow, so we are very happy in that regard."

Analysis: N'dicka had initially been given a recovery timeline of up to four weeks, but the defender has not progressed quickly enough to be available for the tournament opener in Philadelphia. Manager Emerse Fae confirmed that N'dicka is the only player unavailable from the squad, with the remainder of the group fit for selection. The 26-year-old has become a key figure in Ivory Coast's back line over the past two years, making his absence a significant setback heading into one of the most important matches of the group stage. Odilon Kossounou is expected to step into the starting lineup and partner either Ousmane Diomande or Emmanuel Agbadou in central defense against Ecuador.

Jun 4, 2026

First two games in doubt

Ndicka has been left behind in Rome to receive treatment from his AS Roma club doctors after suffering a thigh tear in the final round of Serie A, with the Ivory Coast technical staff confirming he will not join the squad before their departure for Philadelphia, according to Abdoul Kapo of IvoireZine. "Evan has not yet joined us because he is injured. We preferred to leave him to be treated properly in Rome in an environment he knows well. He is being taken care of by his club's doctors."

Analysis: Ndicka is considered doubtful for the first two group stage matches at minimum, with some sources suggesting he could miss the entire first round, and a final decision will only be made at the last possible moment ahead of Ivory Coast's opener against Ecuador. The center-back has been one of the pillars of the African champion's defensive unit, scoring five goals, contributing 69 interceptions, 176 clearances and 35 tackles across 41 appearances in all competitions this season, making his absence an enormous blow for a side that will need their best defensive options available if they are to make a deep run at the tournament. Emmanuel Agbadou is set to receive a larger role for the Elephants until the Roman returns.

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Evan Ndicka

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