Curaçao and Ivory Coast clash in a must-win Group E encounter as both sides seek to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive after contrasting starts to the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to deliver drama, and Group E presents a fascinating crossroads as Curaçao prepare to face Ivory Coast at a neutral venue. For the Caribbean minnows, this is uncharted territory – their first World Cup appearance has been a steep learning curve. After a creditable goalless draw with Ecuador and a heavy 7-1 defeat to Germany, they sit bottom of the group with one point. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, have shown flashes of their quality: a narrow 2-1 loss to Germany followed by a gritty 1-0 win over Ecuador. With three points, the Elephants are second, but a slip here could prove costly. This is a fixture that pits raw ambition against seasoned experience, and the stakes could not be higher.
Summary
Group E is finely poised. Germany lead with six points after two wins, while Ivory Coast (3 points), Ecuador (1 point) and Curaçao (1 point) are separated by goal difference. For Curaçao, a defeat would almost certainly end their knockout stage dreams, while Ivory Coast know that victory would put them in a commanding position to qualify alongside Germany. The match promises to be a tactical chess match: Curaçao will look to defend deep and hit on the counter, while Ivory Coast will aim to dominate possession and use their physicality. The venue, though not specified, is expected to be a neutral ground in the United States, adding an extra layer of unpredictability.
Team News & Form
Curaçao have been resilient but vulnerable. Their 0-0 draw with Ecuador was a defensive masterclass, but they were torn apart by Germany's pace and power. Key midfielder Leandro Bacuna (Aston Villa) provides creativity, while captain Cuco Martina (FC Emmen) anchors the backline. However, they struggled to contain Germany's wide players, and Ivory Coast will look to exploit similar spaces. The absence of any major injuries means they should field their strongest XI, likely a 4-4-2 or 5-4-1 formation to absorb pressure.
Ivory Coast have been inconsistent. Their defeat to Germany was a narrow one, but they lacked cutting edge in the final third. The 1-0 win over Ecuador was hard-fought, with Sébastien Haller scoring the winner. Manager Gasset has a wealth of talent: Franck Kessié (Al-Ahli) brings midfield steel, while Wilfried Zaha (Galatasaray) offers flair out wide. The likely absence of injured winger Nicolas Pépé means Jonathan Bamba (Celta Vigo) could start. The Elephants will be confident after their clean sheet against Ecuador, but they must be wary of complacency.
Key Players
Curaçao: Leandro Bacuna – The midfield engine room. Bacuna's passing range and set-piece delivery are Curaçao's primary weapons. He will need to shield the back four and launch quick transitions. If he can dictate the tempo, Curaçao have a chance.
Ivory Coast: Franck Kessié – The midfield general. Kessié's box-to-box energy and physical presence will be vital. He scored in the win over Ecuador and will look to dominate the centre of the park. His ability to break lines with late runs could unlock Curaçao's defence.
Predicted Lineups
Curaçao (4-4-2): Room; Martina, Maria, Gaari, Janga; Bacuna, Nepomuceno, Antonia, Hooi; Janga, Kastaneer.
Ivory Coast (4-3-3): Fofana; Aurier, Bailly, Ndicka, Konan; Kessié, Sangaré, Seko; Zaha, Haller, Bamba.
Key Battles
Ivory Coast's width vs Curaçao's full-backs: Zaha and Bamba love to cut inside, forcing full-backs Martina and Janga into difficult decisions. If Curaçao's wide defenders can stay compact, they can nullify Ivory Coast's main threat.
Haller vs Gaari: The towering Haller is a handful in the air. Curaçao centre-back Gaari must match his physicality and stay goal-side. Set pieces could be decisive.
Midfield control: Bacuna vs Kessié is a fascinating duel. If Bacuna can disrupt Kessié's rhythm, Curaçao may frustrate the Elephants.
Head-to-Head
This is the first competitive meeting between Curaçao and Ivory Coast. Curaçao have never faced an African side in a World Cup, while Ivory Coast have a mixed record against CONCACAF opposition (W2 D1 L1). The lack of history makes this a fascinating unknown, but Ivory Coast's experience in big tournaments (four previous World Cups) gives them a clear edge.
Score Prediction
Curaçao have shown they can defend stubbornly, but Ivory Coast's superior quality and physicality should prevail. Expect a tense first half, but the Elephants' depth will tell in the second period. Prediction: Curaçao 0-2 Ivory Coast.
Where to Watch
The match kicks off at 20:00 UTC on 25 June 2026. Broadcast details vary by region: in the US, check Fox Sports; in the UK, BBC and ITV share coverage; in Africa, SuperSport is the rights holder. Live streaming will be available via official FIFA platforms. For updates, visit our fixtures page and standings page. Follow Curaçao's journey here and Ivory Coast's here.
