2026 World Cup: Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, Probable Lineups

At Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, the decisive do-or-die match for Group E will take place. At 10 p.m. Italian time (4 p.m. local time), Curaçao and Ivory Coast will face off simultaneously with Germany vs. Ecuador to determine who will advance to the Round of 16.

The team led by Dick Advocaat is coming off its historic first point of the tournament against Ecuador. Despite some inevitable technical limitations, the team has proven to be solid, determined, and lethal on the counterattack. The stakes, after all, are sky-high: by defeating the African team (stuck at 3 points), the Caribbean side would achieve a legendary qualification.

The Dutch coach isn’t playing it safe and is sticking with the same starting eleven as in the last match. They’ll field a five-man defensive line with Fonville and Brenet on the wings, while Obispo, Gaari, and Floranus will anchor the center. In midfield, the key roles are entrusted to the irreplaceable Bacuna brothers, supported by Comenencia, who has scored the team’s only goal so far. Up front, Chong’s quality and creativity will revolve around lone striker Locadia.

The Ivory Coast, meanwhile, is eager for redemption after their stinging defeat against Germany. The Elephants, who took the lead thanks to Kessié, saw their advantage erased by a brace from substitute Undav, paying dearly for their inability to capitalize on the counterattacks that could have sealed the match. For the Africans, however, even a draw will be enough to secure their place in the next round.

As for the lineup, head coach Faé will start Fofana in goal; in defense, Doué replaces the injured Singo at right back, with Konan holding down the left side. The midfield is all muscle and height with Sangaré and captain Kessié, while the attacking trio will feature Diallo and Diomande on the wings supporting center forward Bonny.

Probable Lineups

CURAÇAO (5-3-1-1) Room; Fonville, Floranus, Obispo, Gaari, Brenet; Bacuna, Comenencia, Bacuna; Chong; Locadia. Coach: Advocaat.

IVORY COAST (4-3-3) Fofana; Doué, Agbadou, Kossounou, Konan; Sangaré, Kessié, Inao Oulai; Diallo, Bonny, Diomandé. Coach: Faé.