Curacao vs Cote d’Ivoire Preview: Team News & Prediction | FIFA World Cup 2026 | Group Stage
Curacao have, quite remarkably, given themselves a chance of getting knockout football at FIFA World Cup 2026 as they now take on Cote d'Ivoire in Philadelphia.
Kick-off date/time:
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Curacao preview: Punching above their weight
Coached by the oldest manager to ever coach at a FIFA World Cup Dick Advocaat, Curacao are the smallest country, both by size and population, to compete at a FIFA World Cup and the debutant minnows have certainly competed as they head into their final group game with a chance of qualifying.
Having started with a 7-1 demolition of Germany in a game in which Curacao scored a shock equaliser just before the first half hydration break, the Caribbean islanders then shared a goalless draw with Ecuador in Kansas City with goalkeeper Eloy Room equalling the record for the most saves by a goalkeeper in a FIFA World Cup match.
Cote d’Ivoire preview: Impressive Ivorians
In their opening game of the FIFA World Cup, Cote d'Ivoire looked set to share a goalless draw with a stubborn Ecuador side before Amad Diallo pinched a late winner from a Wilfried Singo assist, earning the Ivorians their first ever win against South American opposition at a FIFA World Cup.
Les Elephants then went ahead against Germany in their second game in Toronto, via Franck Kessie, but substitute Deniz Undav turned the game on its head for the Germans to confirm top spot for Die Mannschaft with Simon Adingra missing a glorious opportunity to win the group for the Ivorians when the score was 1-1 late on.
Curacao team news: Locadia a doubt
Dick Advocaat is sweating on the fitness of former Brighton and Hove Albion striker Jurgen Locadia, with the experienced Gervane Kastaneer likelier to start.
Advocaat stuck with his back three shape with Armando Obispo excellent in the heart of the defence and an experienced midfield that sees Leandro Bacuna partnering brother Juninho Bacuna.
Predicted XI (3-5-1-1): Room; Gaari, Obispo, Floranus; Brenet, Comenencia, L. Bacuna, J. Bacuna, Fonville; Chong; Kastaneer
Unavailable:
Questionable: Locadia (Injured)
Cote d’Ivoire team news: Defensive injuries
Cote d'Ivoire have some defensive injury issues to deal with as Wilfried Singo was forced off against Germany and he remains a doubt for this one. Strasbourg defender Guela Doue should reclaim his place in the team.
Fellow defender Evan Ndicka, of Roma, has missed the opening couple of games due to injury but he has returned to training.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Y. Fofana; Doue, Kossounou, Agbadou, Konan; Inao Oulai, Kessie, Sangare; Diallo, Bonny, Y. Diomande
Unavailable:
Questionable: Singo (Injured), Ndicka (Fitness), Wahi (Disciplinary)
Curacao’s top FIFA World Cup Fantasy assets
Leandro Bacuna ($4.0m) – Defender
Tahith Chong ($4.2m) – Midfielder
Jurgen Locadia ($4.1m) – Forward
Matchday 3 captain pick: Tahith Chong
Set-piece duty
Penalties: Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna
Free kicks: Juninho Bacuna
Corners: Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna
Cote d’Ivoire’s top FIFA World Cup Fantasy assets
Wilfried Singo ($4.4m) – Defender
Yan Diomande ($5.9m) – Forward
Amad Diallo ($5.9m) – Forward
Matchday 3 captain pick: Yan Diomande
Set-piece duty
Penalties: Ibrahim Sangare, Franck Kessie
Free kicks: Yan Diomande
Corners: Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande
Key stats
- This is the first meeting between Cote d'Ivoire and Curacao.
- Cote d'Ivoire have never previously faced a Concacaf team at the World Cup.
- Cote d’Ivoire have scored in their last seven FIFA World Cup outings – extending the longest such run in their history.
- Cote d’Ivoire have opened the scoring in both of their World Cup matches in 2026. They had netted first in just one of their previous nine World Cup encounters.
- Cote d’Ivoire are aiming to qualify for the knockout rounds at the World Cup for the first time.
- Cote d’Ivoire have never won more than one match in a World Cup campaign. They posted one victory in each of their three previous participations.
- This is Curacao’s first FIFA World Cup match against an African team.
- Curacao, who picked up their first-ever point in FIFA World Cup history with their 0-0 draw against Ecuador, now seek their first victory.
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Curacao vs Cote d’Ivoire prediction
Curacao have been a lot better than many expected and that is perhaps something to be expected after coming through the rigour of CONCACAF qualification and boasting a squad with a lot of Eredivisie pedigree due to the Dutch influence of the squad, with 25 players born in the Netherlands.
Cote d'Ivoire would finish third in the group if Curacao were to prevail here and they have not yet completely wrapped up qualification so it is unlikely they will take their foot off the gas.
While Curacao were heroic in their stalemate against the Ecuadoreans, scoring goals is something Ecuador struggle with and the South Americans were still unfortunate to be held - and so the Ivorians will be expected to break the door down in Pennsylvania.
Curacao vs Cote d’Ivoire betting tip: Cote d'Ivoire to win
