Ivory Coast face Curacao on Thursday in a bid to qualify for the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history. The Elephants beat Ecuador in their opener thanks to a last-gasp Amad Diallo goal, but suffered late heartbreak of their own after Denis Undav secured a 2-1 win for Germany in the 94th minute.
Team News and Predicted Lineup
Coach Emerse Fae, who led Ivory Coast to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2023, started the tournament with a 4-4-2 formation, with Manchester United winger Amad surprisingly on the bench. For the Germany game, Fae started Amad and switched to a 4-1-4-1 formation, making five changes: he dropped right-back Guela Doue (brother of France and Paris Saint-Germain star Desire), central midfielder Seko Fofana, and forwards Nicolas Pepe, Elye Wahi, and Bazoumana Toure.
Odilon Kossounou came in at centre back, while Ibrahima Sangare acted as a sole defensive screen at the base of midfield. Inao Oulai partnered Franck Kessie, while Ange-Yoan Bonny was the lone striker. Diallo replaced Pepe on the right-wing. Fae’s changes almost worked as they led Germany until the 68th minute through Kessie’s first-half goal, before Undav’s late heroics.
Enforced Change and Predicted XI
There will be at least one enforced change as Wilfried Singo is set for a period of rest after avoiding a serious injury in the loss to Germany. Doue is likely to come in at right back. Amad should keep his place despite being kept quiet by Nathaniel Brown as he remains the Ivorians’ most dangerous player, while Ousmane Diomande has played on both wings in the tournament and is also expected to keep his place. Pepe remains a good bench option, while Simon Adingra’s late miss proves he is not threatening the starting XI.
Sangare performed well in his defensive role, winning four tackles, making two interceptions, and completing three ball recoveries. Kossounou’s mistimed leap let Undav score his first, while Wolves’ Emmanuel Agbadou was too easily turned by the German striker for his winner. Either could be replaced by Roma stalwart Evan Ndicka, who has yet to feature this tournament. Yahia Fofana made several good saves against Germany and could do little about either of Undav’s finishes, so he is very likely to keep his place.
Predicted XI and Match Details
Ivory Coast predicted XI vs Curacao (4-3-3): Fofana; Doue, Ndicka, Agbadou, Konan; Kessie, Sangare, Fofana; Diallo, Guessand, Diomande. Injured: Singo. Time and date: 9pm BST on Thursday, June 25, 2026. How to watch: ITV. Venue: Philadelphia Stadium.
