Ivory Coast have the chance to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history with a win against Curaçao on Monday night in Philadelphia.
Curaçao, the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup finals, are hoping for a miracle that would see them qualify for the knockout stages at their first time of asking. The county is inhabited by approximately 156,000 people.
The Elephants are second in Group E with three points, three behind league leaders Germany. Ecuador and Curaçao occupy the two bottom spots in the standings with a point.
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Ivory Coast did extremely well to beat Ecuador 1-0 in their opening match, before losing narrowly 2-1 to Germany in the next match. They are making their first appearance at the World Cup since 2014, where they were knocked out in the Group stages.
Curaçao, who are making their debut in the global tournament, have the chance to make it into the knockout phase if they can muster a win in this match. They have managed to score one goal in the 2026 edition of the tournament.
Emerson Fae’s charges have impressed with their performances thus far, are ranked 30th in the world by FIFA. They have the chance to better their record of winning just once in their previous four appearances at the World Cup.
Ivory Coast have only beaten European opposition once in four attempts at the World Cup and come into the game as hot favorites to progress into the quarters. Will they live up to the hype and get another win in the tournament?
Betway
Here is our detailed preview of the match as well as our predicted outcome.
What time does Curaçao Ivory Coast start?
The match kicks off at 11PM E.A.T at the Lincoln Financial Field
Curaçao vs Ivory Coast team news
Goalkeeper Eloy Room was Curaçao’s standout performer in the match against Ecuador, breaking the record for the most saves ever made in a World Cup game (15).
He will retain his place in the starting XI as well as the rest of the side, as Curaçao look to field their strongest available side for a chance at qualification.
Yahia Fofana will continue to start in between the sticks for the Ivorians, with defensive duo of Emmanuel Agbadu and Odilon Kossonou starting as well.
Ibrahim Sangare has been instrumental in midfield and will play in a deeper role, providing attacking freedom to young sensation Yan Diomande and Franck Kessie. The latter scored the only goal in their defeat to Germany.
Manchester United’s Amad Diallo scored in the opening game against Ecuador and will start here as well, with Ange Bonny up front.
Elye Wahi solved his visa issues that kept him out of the opening game, but he was an unused substitute in the last game. He is expected to feature from the bench here.
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Curaçao vs Ivory Coast head-to-head and current form
Curaçao have won just one of their last six matches leading up to this one. They did well to earn a point in the barren draw against Ecuador but are desperate to push for victory here.
Prior to the stalemate against Ecuador, they were humiliated in a 7-1 demolition by the Germans.
They face an Ivorian side whose narrow defeat to Germany halted an impressive seven-match winning streak leading to the World Cup. The last time they failed to score a goal was in November 2025.
Current form:
Curaçao – DLWLL
Ivory Coast – LWWWW
Betway
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Curaçao vs Ivory Coast prediction
The minnows were much improved in their last outing, but it is unlikely that they can pull off an upset here. Despite the goalkeepers’ heroics against Ecuador, he is expected to concede here.
The Ivorians scoring run has been impressive, getting a goal in each of their last 12 matches in all competitions.
Prediction – Ivory Coast to win
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