Curacao are looking to build on their impressive 0-0 draw with Ecuador as they take on Ivory Coast in Group E’s final round of fixtures.
Dick Advocaat’s side started off with a 7-1 drubbing by Germany, but a heroic performance by goalkeeper Eloy Room against Ecuador in their second game handed the tournament debutants their first-ever World Cup point.
The Ivorians suffered last-minute heartbreak against Germany in their most recent outing as they lost 2-1 to Die Mannschaft. They had inflicted heartbreak of their own with a 90th-minute goal from Amad Diallo to beat Ecuador 1-0 in their opener.
Without a win, Curacao will be eliminated, while Ivory Coast could go through with a narrow loss, but should feel confident they can beat the nation of just 158,000 people.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Curacao vs Ivory Coast is scheduled for a 9pm BST kick-off on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
The match will take place at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia.
Where to watch Curacao vs Ivory Coast for FREE
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1, with coverage starting at 8.50pm BST.
Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via ITVX app or the channel’s website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with ITVX app and their websites.
Curacao vs Ivory Coast team news
Curacao now boast a World Cup record-holder: Eloy Room made 15 saves against Ecuador - the most by a goalkeeper in the tournament’s history.
If he makes another 15 against the Ivorians his nation will have a good chance of winning.
Former Manchester United youngster Tahith Chong is Curacao’s posterboy, alongside the Bacuna brothers Juninho and Leandro - all of whom are Dutch-born.
The majority of Curacao’s squad are Dutch-born, reflecting the two countries’ colonial ties.
Curacao squad: Tyrick Bodak, Trevor Doornbusch, Eloy Room, Riechedly Bazoer, Joshua Brenet, Roshon Van Eijma, Sherel Floranus, Deveron Fonville, Jurien Gaari, Armando Obispo, Shurandy Sambo, Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna, Livano Comenencia, Kevin Felida, Ar'Jany Martha, Tyrese Noslin, Godfried Roemeratoe, Jeremy Antonisse, Tahith Chong, Kenji Gorré, Sontje Hansen, Gervane Kastaneer, Brandley Kuwas, Jurgen Locadia, Jearl Margaritha.
After their opening win and narrow Germany loss, the Ivorians have put themselves in a decent position to progress as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
To do it, they will need Liverpool-bound Yan Diomande and Manchester United’s Amad Diallo to step up, as a win and big goal difference could see them top the group.
Captain Frank Kessie scored against Germany, but his main job is to marshal the midfield and prevent Curacao any openings.
Ivory Coast squad: Yahia Fofana, Mohamed Koné, Alban Lafont, Emmanuel Agbadou, Clément Akpa, Ousmane Diomande, Guela Doué, Ghislain Konan, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka, Wilfried Singo, Seko Fofana, Parfait Guiagon, Christ Inao Oulaï, Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, Jean-Michaël Seri. Simon Adingra, Ange-Yoan Bonny, Amad Diallo, Oumar Diakité, Yan Diomande, Evann Guessand, Nicolas Pépé, Bazoumana Touré, Elye Wahi
Curacao vs Ivory Coast prediction
Without a win Curacao are definitely out of their first World Cup, so Advocaat’s team have to go for it against the Ivorians.
Ivory Coast could top the group with a heavy win combined with a Germany loss to Ecuador, but should progress with a victory or draw.
A loss Emerse Fae’s side would be disastrous though, so they cannot afford to be complacent.
We still think his team will be too strong.
Ivory Coast to win, 3-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
They have never played each other before.
Curacao vs Ivory Coast match odds
Curacao to win: 17/1
Ivory Coast to win: 2/13
Draw: 15/2
Odds via UK betting sites (subject to change).
