With just three weeks to go before the start of the 2026 World Cup, the Elephants' staff are holding their breath. Forced off with an injury during the heated Rome derby, Ivorian defender Evan Ndicka is now doubtful for the global tournament. The wait for the results of his medical examinations is proving particularly stressful for the national team.

A setback in the middle of the Rome derby

The blow came on Sunday, May 17, 2026, during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Lazio on Matchday 37. Starting in the heart of Roma's defense, the Ivorian international was brought down midway through the first half.

According to Onze Mondial , the player felt a sharp pain in his right hamstring, forcing him to leave the field prematurely. Further clinical examinations are planned in the coming hours to assess the exact severity of the muscle injury.

The Elephants' defense is in serious doubt

The timing of this injury couldn't be worse. Just two days ago, coach Emerse Faé officially included Ndicka in his 26-man squad for the World Cup. Having become an indispensable pillar of the Ivorian defense since 2023 (27 caps), his potential absence would be a disaster for Ivory Coast.

Especially since the Elephants' defensive sector is already on its last legs:

1. Odilon Kossounou , Ndicka's preferred partner in central defense, is also sidelined due to a tear in his right biceps femoris.

The critical point: If tests confirm a serious tear for Ndicka, his withdrawal from the World Cup will become inevitable. A catastrophic scenario that would force Emerse Faé to completely rethink his defensive plans on the eve of a historic event.

The entire country now awaits the next medical update from AS Roma.