Curaçao and Ivory Coast meet in the third round of the World Cup 2026 group stage. The match kicks off on Thursday, 25 June at 9 PM (BST) at the Lincoln Financial Field in the United States.
This is a decisive final group game for both nations as they battle for a place in the knockout rounds. Ivory Coast have recorded one win and one loss so far, while Curaçao are still searching for their first victory in the tournament.
Find out where to watch the match, our expert prediction for Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, and the expected lineups for today’s encounter.
Match Overview - Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast
- Curaçao seeks their first World Cup 2026 victory in this final group game. After a heavy defeat to Germany and a draw with Ecuador, they must win to advance.
- Ivory Coast has three points from beating Ecuador and losing to Germany. A positive result here could secure their spot in the knockout stages.
- This first competitive meeting between the two promises an unpredictable and decisive fixture. With everything on the line, expect a tense match at Lincoln Financial Field.
Head-to-Head Record
- This will be the first-ever competitive fixture between Curaçao and Ivory Coast.
- Curaçao have struggled in the World Cup, failing to win and conceding an average of 3.5 goals per game across their two matches.
- Ivory Coast enter this match in strong form, having won 15 of their last 21 games across all competitions.
- Defender Livano Comenencia is the only player to have found the back of the net for Curaçao in this tournament.
- For Ivory Coast, Franck Kessié and Amad Diallo have been the goal scorers, with one goal each so far.
Curaçao's World Cup Challenge
Curaçao, with just one point from two World Cup matches, faces a must-win game for any progression hopes. They drew 0-0 with Ecuador after a significant 7-1 loss to Germany.
Their recent form is not the greatest, showing nine victories in their last 21 outings. In the World Cup, Curaçao conceded seven goals and scored just one, revealing clear defensive and attacking weaknesses
This team has no injured players. Livano Comenencia is their sole goalscorer, emphasising the need for others to step up. An exceptional effort is required to challenge Ivory Coast.
Ivory Coast's Path to the Knockouts
Ivory Coast enters this crucial World Cup match with three points from their first two games, having secured one win and one loss. Their overall form is strong, with 15 victories in their last 21 matches across all competitions, showing good momentum.
They began their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 win against Ecuador, but then faced a 2-1 defeat to Germany. These results highlight their competitive ability, keeping their hopes for advancing in the tournament alive.
However, right-back Wilfried Singo is out with an injury, posing a defensive challenge. Midfielder Franck Kessié, who has already scored once in the competition, will be vital in providing attacking drive to secure qualification.
Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast Prediction: A Comfortable Ivorian Win
Ivory Coast displays strong form, having won 15 of their last 21 matches. Curaçao needs a victory, which implies an open game, making no draw and over 2.5 goals an interesting betting opportunity.
Curaçao’s defensive struggles are evident, especially after a 7-1 defeat to Germany. This fragility suggests early goal action, making over 0.5 goals in the first half a plausible option as Ivory Coast presses from the start.
Considering the significant gap in quality and current performances, our main prediction is for an Ivory Coast win. The "Asian Handicap -1.5" market for Ivory Coast offers strong value, expecting them to secure victory by at least two goals.
  | ||
| Best Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Double Chance & Over/Under | No draw and over 2.5 goals in the match | |
| Over/Under | Over 0.5 goals in the first half | |
The odds mentioned were collected during the writing of this prediction and may change. Always check with the bookmaker for the latest information.
| ||
| Best Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Double Chance & Over/Under | No draw and over 2.5 goals in the match | |
| Over/Under | Over 0.5 goals in the first half | |
Where to Watch Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast
For those wondering where to watch Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, here is the broadcast information for the match:
- TV: BBC Sport (Gbr), BBC Two (Gbr)
- Streaming: BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live Extra (Gbr), BBC Radio 5 Live (Gbr), BBC Sport app (Gbr)
Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast Predicted Lineups
As this key World Cup 2026 fixture approaches, both managers will be carefully considering their starting elevens. The probable Curaçao lineup looks to build on a consistent foundation, seeking the right balance to control the game from the outset. On the other hand, the Ivory Coast lineup may see some adjustments due to player availability, forcing a tactical rethink. Both sides know that getting their initial strategy correct will be crucial to securing a positive result in this important match.
Curaçao
Room; Brenet, Gaari, Obispo, Fonville, Floranus; J. Bacuna, L. Bacuna, Comenencia, Chong; Locadia.
Manager: Dick Advocaat.
Ivory Coast
Fofana; Agbadou, Konan, Kossounou, Doué; Diallo, Oulaï, Kessié, Sangaré, Diomandé; Bonny.
Manager: Emerse Faé.
Match Details
Here are the match details:
- Match: Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast
- Competition: World Cup 2026
- Date: 25/06/2026
- Kick-off: 9 PM (BST)
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, United States
- Broadcast: BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport (Gbr), BBC Two (Gbr), BBC Radio 5 Live Extra (Gbr), BBC Radio 5 Live (Gbr), BBC Sport app (Gbr)
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