Curaçao vs Ivory Coast | FIFA World Cup 2026 — Group Stage | Preview and Predictions

Newcomers Curaçao will face Ivory Coast in their final group stage game on 26th June at the Philadelphia Stadium in the USA. 

For the game, here we present our preview and prediction.

FIFA WC26 | Group E: CUW vs CIV| 01:30 IST, June 26, 2026

Curaçao earned their first point of the World Cup when they held South American opponents Ecuador to a stalemate in their previous encounter. It was a massive result after the 7-1 thrashing by Germany in their opening game. 

Ecuador created a number of chances but couldn’t breach Curaçao’s defence with their goalkeeper Eloy Room making an incredible 15 saves in the game and shutting out the opposition. La Tri had 75% possession and expected goals (xG) of 2.84, yet they failed to convert their chances. Some gritty defending and exceptional goalkeeping saw Curaçao earn their first point at their debut World Cup.

As for Ivory Coast, they lost their previous fixture against Germany but will be playing their final fixture against Curaçao to try and qualify for the Round of 32. Ivory Coast had taken the lead against Germany through captain Franck Kessie and were comfortable with the lead until Deniz Undav sprang off the bench and produced a match-winning cameo performance, scoring a brace to help Germany qualify for the RO32. His second goal came late in stoppage-time and sparked wild celebrations amongst the German players and fans. 

After Ecuador’s draw against Curaçao, there isn’t much pressure on Ivory Coast to win this game. Even if they draw this game and Ecuador win against Germany, Ivory Coast will be through to the RO32 on the basis of their win against Ecuador earlier in the group. 

Curaçao has a fully fit squad available for this game while Ivory Coast has Wilfried Singo unavailable due to a hamstring injury. 

The Blue Wave will again face a particularly tough opponent in former African Cup of Nations winners Ivory Coast. Les Éléphants has some exciting talents in Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande, Simon Adingra and Bouzamana Touré, most of whom play in top European clubs while most Curaçao players dabble in the lower leagues. On form as well, the defeat to Germany is the Ivorians’ only loss from their last five games while Curaçao are coming in this game winless in their last five with four defeats and a draw. 

Ivory Coast will not take them for granted after the fighting draw against Ecuador although they will comfortably win this game as they have too much pace and attacking prowess for Curaçao to handle. 

Score Prediction: Curaçao 0-2 Ivory Coast 

Venue: The Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, USA