Cote d'Ivoire eye knockout spot as Curacao chase World Cup dream
Curacao are chasing a World Cup fairytale in their debut campaign, while Cote d'Ivoire are seeking a long-awaited return to the knockout rounds.
Cote d'Ivoire and Curacao will battle for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 when they meet in their decisive Group E clash on Wednesday (25 June), with qualification still within reach for both sides.
The Elephants enter the final group-stage fixture holding the upper hand after collecting three points from their opening two matches.
Emerse Faé's men began their campaign with a victory over Ecuador before suffering a dramatic stoppage-time defeat to Germany.
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That result leaves the African side knowing that a win will guarantee progression to the knockout stage, while a draw could also prove sufficient depending on results elsewhere in the group.
Curacao, meanwhile, remain in contention in their maiden World Cup appearance. Dick Advocaat's side earned a memorable goalless draw against Ecuador, with veteran goalkeeper Eloy Room producing a superb performance to secure the nation's first-ever World Cup point.
The Caribbean side must win to keep their dream alive and are expected to adopt a disciplined defensive approach, relying on quick counterattacks led by Tahith Chong and Jürgen Locadia.
Cote d'Ivoire, however, arrive as favourites. Wingers Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo have been among their brightest attacking threats, providing pace, creativity and directness throughout the tournament.
In midfield, Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré offer experience, composure and physicality.
With history within touching distance for both nations, the stakes could hardly be higher. Curacao are chasing a World Cup fairytale in their debut campaign, while Cote d'Ivoire are seeking a long-awaited return to the knockout rounds.
Probable XI
Curaçao: Eloy Room, Cuco Martina, Sherel Floranus, Jurien Gaari, Justin Ogenia, Juriën Fonville, Leandro Bacuna (c), Joshua Comenencia, Juninho Bacuna; Tahith Chong, Jürgen Locadia.
Côte d'Ivoire: Yahia Fofana, Guela Doué, Odilon Kossounou, Emmanuel Agbadou, Ghislain Konan, Franck Kessié (c), Ibrahim Sangaré, Maho Oulaï, Amad Diallo, Ange-Yoan Bonny, Yan Diomande.
