Curaçao vs Ivory Coast — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 3
Venue
To be confirmed
Date
Thursday, 25 June 2026
Kickoff
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Curaçao's remarkable World Cup debut continues against Ivory Coast in Group E. Dick Advocaat's side, drawn largely from the Dutch leagues, have already made history simply by qualifying and will play with freedom.
Ivory Coast, reigning African champions, carry serious firepower — Simon Adingra and Nicolas Pépé out wide, Franck Kessié controlling midfield. Emerse Faé's side should command possession.
For Curaçao it is about belief and organisation; for the Elephants, it is a chance to assert themselves before the knockouts.
Key storylines
- 01Curaçao writing history on their World Cup debut
- 02AFCON champions Ivory Coast expected to dominate
- 03Advocaat's experience guiding the tournament's smallest nation
Prediction
Kickoff editorial call
Curaçao 0-2 Ivory Coast
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
Curaçao
Formation 4-3-3- 1E. Room
- 2
