Ivory Coast take on Curacao tonight in a pivotal World Cup 2026 group stage match, with a win guaranteeing their first-ever place in the knockout rounds. The Elephants opened their campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Ecuador courtesy of a last-minute Amad Diallo goal, but suffered heartbreak in their second game as Germany's Denis Undav scored in the 94th minute to secure a 2-1 win.
Team News and Starting Lineup
Coach Emerse Fae, who led Ivory Coast to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title, has made several changes from the Germany defeat. Wilfried Singo is rested after avoiding a serious injury and starts on the bench, with Guela Doue replacing him at right-back. Amad Diallo keeps his place on the wing, while Yan Diomande, who has played on both flanks in the tournament, also starts. Nicolas Pepe returns to the starting lineup.
Fae's tactical shift against Germany saw him switch from a 4-4-2 to a 4-1-4-1 formation, making five changes. Odilon Kossounou came in at centre-back, Ibrahima Sangare acted as a sole defensive screen, and Inao Ouali partnered Franck Kessie in midfield. Ange-Yoan Bonny started as the lone striker. The changes nearly paid off as Kessie's first-half goal put them ahead until the 68th minute.
Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, who made several good saves against Germany, retains his place. The full starting XI is: Fofana; O. Diomande, Kossounou, Operi, Doue; Kessie, Sangare; Y. Diomande, Diallo, Pepe; Bonny. Substitutes include Kone, Lafont, Konan, Singo, Agbadou, Ndicka, Seri, S. Fofana, Guiagon, Oulai, Adingra, Wahi, Diakite, Guessand, and Toure.
Match Details
The match kicks off at 9pm BST on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Philadelphia Stadium. It will be broadcast live on ITV.
