Curaçao
World CupWhy this tip?
Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire arrive at their final group game knowing that a win will qualify them for the knockout rounds. Both sides are set up to rely on their defensive solidity, and scoring may be hard to come by. However, Côte d’Ivoire’s attacking flair should be too much for Curaçao. The wingers will be pivotal in creating goalscoring chances, and we believe Côte d’Ivoire will come out on top with a 3 – 0 win.
Match Preview
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
- Matchday: Matchday 3
- Date: 25 June 2026
- Kick-off time: 16:00 USA (22:00 SA)
- Venue: Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field)
Match details
Curaçao takes on Côte d’Ivoire in their final group match in the 55th game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match is set to commence at 19:00 (GMT-4) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and 01:00 (GMT+2) in South Africa. The round robin stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is nearing its end, and if you want more analyses of the biggest matches happening at the FIFA World Cup, head over to our Topbets World Cup predictions page.
Why this match matters
Côte d’Ivoire suffered a heavy stoppage-time defeat to group winners Germany in their previous match, while Curaçao claimed their first point at a World Cup and will be aiming to get their first win on the board. The final automatic qualification spot is still available, with just two points separating second-place Côte d’Ivoire from last-place Curaçao. Both teams will know that a win will guarantee them a spot in the last 32 and will come out looking for one.
Curaçao vs Côte d’Ivoire head-to-head stats
Head-to-head record
This is the first time Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire will meet in a senior men’s international match. Both sides are in contrasting form, and this encounter should be a great strategic match for fans.
Curaçao’s recent form
Curaçao’s last five matches: LLWLD–
Curaçao are in poor form heading towards their final 2026 FIFA World Cup game, obtaining results against the following nations:
- 21/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Ecuador 0 – 0 Curaçao
- 14/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Germany 7 – 1 Curaçao
- 07/06/2026 (Friendly International): Curaçao 4 – 0 Aruba
- 30/05/2026 (Friendly International): Scotland 4 – 1 Curaçao
- 31/03/2026 (FIFA Series): Australia 5 – 1 Curaçao
After winning their World Cup Qualifying group, Curaçao have picked up just a single win in their last six outings, against Aruba. Curaçao had picked up heavy losses against strong teams such as Australia and Scotland, and against Germany in their World Cup debut, before claiming a solid goalless draw against Ecuador in their second World Cup tie.
Despite not having a solid backline and shipping in 16 goals in five games, Curaçao have shown that they will not stand by and be defeated, having found the net 7 times in their last five matches. In their last five matches, four featured over 2.5 goals, with three featuring both sides scoring.
Côte d’Ivoire’s recent form
Côte d’Ivoire’s last five matches: WWWWL–
Côte d’Ivoire arrived at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in great form, and had since won 1 and lost 1 World Cup game. Their last five matches included the following nations:
- 20/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Germany 2 – 1 Côte d’Ivoire
- 15/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Côte d’Ivoire 1 – 0 Ecuador
- 09/06/2026 (Friendly International): Philadelphia Union II 0 – 2 Côte d’Ivoire
- 04/06/2026 (Friendly International): France 1 – 2 Côte d’Ivoire
- 31/03/2026 (Friendly International): Scotland 0 – 1 Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire’s defensive solidity has been pivotal to their excellent form, with clean sheets against Scotland and Philadelphia Union II, and in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Ecuador. They also managed an impressive win over 2018 FIFA World Cup winners France. However, an injury-time goal by Germany saw Côte d’Ivoire slip to their first defeat since the African Cup of Nations. In their last 5 games, Côte d’Ivoire won 4 matches and lost just 1, scoring 7 goals and conceding 2.
Team news
Curaçao team news
Injuries: N/A
Suspensions: N/A
Key players to watch: Midfield maestro and captain Leandro Bacuna will be pivotal in creating chances for Curaçao. His dead-ball deliveries and physical presence in midfield will be key to disrupting the Côte d’Ivoire attack. Tahith Chong’s ability to drive his team up the field will be key to breaking down the defensive structure. Eloy Room will need to put in a shift in goal once more to deny goals and help his team avoid defeat.
Côte d’Ivoire team news
Injuries: N/A
Suspensions: Elye Wahi (Denied Entry to Canada)
Key players to watch: Yan Diomande was Côte d’Ivoire’s primary creative outlet against Germany and will be key in creating goals once more. Premier League proven winger Amad Diallo should stretch the game and provide blistering pace on the counter. Emmanuel Agbadou and Franck Kessié’s physicality and presence will be pivotal in disrupting Curaçao’s attack and in linking the defence to the attack.
Predicted lineups
Curaçao predicted XI
Under the veteran Dutch manager Dick Advocaat, Curaçao have employed a highly pragmatic system that focuses on structural shape and defensive compression. Curaçao lines up in a 5-4-1 formation off the ball and will look to close down space in their defence before pushing the wingbacks up the field, allowing their technical wide players to drift inside to pick up second balls. We predict the Blue Wave starting XI to feature:
Eloy Room (G) – Juriën Gaari – Sherel Floranus – Armando Orbispo – Joshua Brenet – Deveron Fonville – Juninho Bacuna – Livano Comenencia – Leandro Bacuna (C) – Tahith Chong – Jürgen Locadia.
Côte d’Ivoire predicted XI
Emerse Faé has set up his side to be flexible and can alter their shape mid-game. They focus heavily on creating explosive wide overloads in attack before executing sharp cutbacks to open up space. They quickly pivot to a low, off-ball defensive block that suffocates space and any attacking threats. The Elephants should look to use a 4-2-3-1 formation to balance out defensive solidity with a blend of speed and power up top for the counter. We predict the Elephants to start:
Yahia Fofana (G) – Wilfried Singo – Odilon Kossounou – Emmanuel Agbadou – Ghislain Konan – Franck Kessié (C) – Ibrahim Sangaré – Amad Diallo – Christ Inao Oulaï – Yan Diomande – Ange-Yoan Bonny.
Best betting markets for Curaçao vs Côte d’Ivoire
Match winner
Prediction: Côte d’Ivoire to WIN @ 17/100 (1.17) at BetXchange.
Over/Under goals
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ 1/2 (1.50) at WSB.
Both teams to score
Prediction: Both teams to score No @ 1/2 (1.50) at Pantherbet.
Anytime goalscorer
Prediction: Amad Diallo to score anytime @ 37/10 (4.70) at Mzansibet.
With the action of the World Cup group stage heating up, there are still loads of other football matches taking place. Topbets’ Daily Football Predictions has got you covered with all the latest tips and predictions for the footie action taking place every day.
Curaçao vs Côte d’Ivoire prediction
Best bet
Prediction: Côte d’Ivoire WIN & BTTS No @ 61/100 (1.61) at Bet.co.za.
Correct score prediction
Prediction: Match to end 3 – 0 to Côte d’Ivoire @ 23/4 (6.75) at WSB.
Match analysis and verdict
Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire arrive at their final group game knowing that a win will qualify them for the knockout rounds. Both sides are set up to rely on their defensive solidity, and scoring may be hard to come by. However, Côte d’Ivoire’s attacking flair should be too much for Curaçao. The wingers will be pivotal in creating goalscoring chances, and we believe Côte d’Ivoire will come out on top with a 3 – 0 win.
Writer/Betting Tipster
I have been in the iGaming industry for a decade and am an avid sports bettor and fan. I have expanded my betting knowledge to create articles on the iGaming industry focusing on online casino content and sports betting analysis for several regions, including South Africa. I cover various sports, including Soccer, Cricket and Horse Racing. All my predictions, tips and insights are thoroughly researched and I aim to help fellow punters in beating the bookies!
