Qualification for the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup hangs in the balance for Curaçao and Ivory Coast, who meet in the final round of group matches on Wednesday.
The stakes are high, with both sides still in the knockout stages for the first time – Curaçao are making their World Cup debut, while Ivory Coast exited the group stages in 2006, 2010, and 2014.
The permutations of the final positions are numerous, but victory for either team will guarantee them a place in the round of 16, while a draw would also be enough for Ivory Coast to secure a spot.
Ivory Coast has impressed in two games so far, beating Ecuador 1-0 before a narrow 2-1 defeat to Germany in stoppage time. Manager Emerse Faé will aim to turn Curaçao in the final game to guarantee safe passage to the last 32 as Group E runners-up.
Curaçao has been one of the stories of the World Cup so far, rallying to hold Ecuador to a 0-0 stalemate on Day 2, giving hope of extending their stay in the tournament to a fourth game.
Only a victory will be enough for Dick Advocaat’s men to make history and extend their stay in the tournament.
Curaçao and Ivory Coast face off in the final round of group matches in the 2026 World Cup, with both teams aiming for a knockout stage spot.
The Elephants are expected to dominate against Curaçao, with Ivory Coast’s attacking prowess likely to prove too much for the Caribbean island nation to handle.
Before the tournament, no one in Côte d’Ivoire would have predicted a scenario where they only needed to get a point from a match against Curaçao to secure a first trip to the World Cup qualifiers.
The Elephants have looked good so far this tournament, coming out on the right side of one last-minute winner before being on the wrong side of another. Yan Diomande has been one of the most eye-catching stars of this World Cup, while Ivory Coast are unlikely to be as poor in front of the Curaçao goal as Ecuador proved to be.
Curaçao’s best chance is to take the pressure and hit the break, but unless there is a major surprise, it is hard to see this being anything other than a comprehensive victory for Côte d’Ivoire.
Historic clean sheet: Curaçao picked up their first World Cup point with a 0–0 draw against Ecuador, during which they faced a 3.05 xG from 27 shots. Goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves — the most by a goalkeeper in 90 minutes since record-keeping began in 1966. Diomande, the danger man: Against Germany, Ivory Coast directed 56 percent of their attacks on Diomande’s left side. The 19-year-old, who is yet to score this tournament, created the most chances against Ecuador (5).
Total defense for Curaçao, with Advocaat’s men focusing on preventing Ivory Coast’s attacking prowess from causing them problems.
Advocaat has no injury problems in his camp ahead of this clash, meaning he has a full roster to choose from.
After being blown out in the opening round defeat to Germany, the Dutch coach reverted to a more conservative back-five system which served his side well against Ecuador.
Jürgen Locadia’s knock against Ecuador is not considered to be serious enough to keep him out, and he is expected to start against Ivory Coast.
Curaçao predicted line-up against Ivory Coast: Room; Brenet, Floranus, Gaari, Obispo, Fonville; Bacuna, Comencia, Bacuna; Residence, Chong.
Ivory Coast is expected to make very few changes to their lineup, with Wilfried Singo ruled out due to injury.
Manager Emerse Faé may choose to line up as they did against Germany, with the attacking thrust falling to the pace and trickery of Diomande and Amad Diallo.
Predicted line-up Ivory Coast vs Curaçao: Fofana; Doué, Kossounou, Agbadou, Konan; Kessie, Sangaré, Oulaï; Amad, Bonny, Diomande
Curaçao vs Ivory Coast is set to be broadcast on various channels around the world, including Fox Sports 1, fuboTV, and BBC Two.
Location: Philadelphia, United States Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field Date: Thursday, June 25 Kickoff Time: 4:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM BST Referee: Glenn Nyberg (SWE)
The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams aiming for a knockout stage spot.
Curaçao vs Ivory Coast: predicted score 0-3 in favor of the Elephants.
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