Ivory Coast prepare for Curacao challenge in World Cup group stage
Ivory Coast are set to face Curacao in a World Cup 2026 group stage match at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The fixture, scheduled for Thursday, June 25, will kick off at 9pm BST.
Ivory Coast, known as the Elephants, are looking to secure second place in Group E. Their campaign so far includes a victory over Ecuador in their opening game. They then faced Germany, where they narrowly lost after the European side came from behind to score twice in the second half.
In the match against Germany, Ivory Coast had an opportunity to win when the score was 1-1 in added time, but Simon Adingra was unable to convert. Germany subsequently scored the winning goal. Despite the loss, the performance against Germany demonstrated Ivory Coast‘s ability to compete with strong teams in the tournament.
Curacao, on the other hand, managed to keep their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage alive with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador. This performance saw goalkeeper Eloy Room make 15 saves, equalling a record for most saves in a World Cup game. However, Curacao have faced significant pressure in their matches, allowing 27 shots on target in their two games.
Curacao have lost three of their last five games by a three-goal margin and have conceded 11 of their last 15 goals in the second half. They have also allowed 27 shots on target in their two tournament games. Ivory Coast, in contrast, have won four of their last five matches.
For Ivory Coast, coach Emerse Fae, who led the team to an Africa Cup of Nations title in 2023, has made tactical adjustments during the tournament. He began with a 4-4-2 formation, with Manchester United winger Amad Diallo initially on the bench. In the game against Germany, Fae switched to a 4-1-4-1 formation, bringing Amad into the starting lineup and making five other changes.
These changes included bringing in Odilon Kossounou at centre-back and deploying Ibrahima Sangare as a sole defensive midfielder. Inao Oulai partnered Franck Kessie, and Ange-Yoan Bonny played as the lone striker. Amad Diallo replaced Nicolas Pepe on the right wing. These adjustments nearly secured a win against Germany, with Kessie scoring in the first half.
Looking ahead to the match against Curacao, Wilfried Singo is set for a period of rest after avoiding a serious injury in the loss to Germany, though he makes the bench. Guela Doue replaces him at right-back. Amad Diallo is expected to retain his place, and Yan Diomande, who has played on both wings, is also anticipated to feature. Nicolas Pepe is also set to start.
Yahia Fofana, who made several saves against Germany, is expected to remain in goal. Elye Wahi‘s visa issues appear to be resolved, and Evan Ndicka could feature after recovering from a thigh injury. Yan Diomande has created seven chances for his teammates in Ivory Coast‘s first two games and registered nine assists in all competitions for his club side in 2025-26.
For Curacao, Jurgen Locadia sustained a knock against Ecuador and is in a race to prove his fitness. Coach Dick Advocaat is likely to maintain the back five strategy that was effective in their previous game. Juninho Bacuna, typically a midfielder, played in a more advanced role against Ecuador and is considered a key attacking threat for Curacao. He has had four shots in the World Cup, with one on target, and has scored 14 goals in 52 appearances for his country.
The match will be broadcast on BBC Two in the UK. The kick-off is scheduled for 9pm BST on Thursday, June 25.
Source: racingpost.com