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Both Curacao and Ivory Coast could join Germany in the World Cup 2026 knockout stage when they meet in their final Group E fixture in Philadelphia on Thursday night.
Curacao earned a historic first-ever point at a World Cup finals last time out, holding Ecuador to a 0-0 draw.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast were unlucky to lose 2-1 to group leaders Germany so late on, although they did beat Ecuador 1-0 in their opening match.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions, as well as our best betting offers for world cup.
Curacao vs. Ivory Coast key stats
- Curacao have won just once in seven games in all competitions (D2, L4).
- Ivory Coast's defeat to Germany ended a five-match winning run across all competitions.
- Four of those five wins were to nil.
Curacao vs. Ivory Coast preview: Elephants to reach first-ever World Cup knockouts?
| Curacao | vs | Ivory Coast |
|---|---|---|
| 82 | FIFA Ranking | 33 |
| Eloy Room, Leandro Bacuna (74) | Most Caps | Franck Kessie (104) |
| Leandro Bacuna (16) | Most Goals | Franck Kessie (16) |
| 650 | Total Caps | 735 |
| 73 | Total Goals | 85 |
| 0 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
Curacao made history in their last outing by earning their first-ever point at a World Cup finals.
The clean sheet in the 0-0 draw with Ecuador would have especially pleased Dick Advocaat, who saw his side thrashed 7-1 by Germany on their World Cup debut.
Should they wish to reach the knockouts for the first time in their inaugural attempt, the Blue Wave realistically must win here, as four points should be enough to see them through.
However, they may have to do that without first-choice striker Jurgen Locadia, who went off injured against Ecuador.
Similarly, Ivory Coast will be sweating on the fitness of Wilfried Singo, who came off injured against Germany and is a key member of their backline.
Their defence has been a strength of the Elephants, with four of their last five wins in all competitions accompanied by a clean sheet.
That included an opening match victory against Ecuador, and a narrow defeat to Germany should still give them plenty of confidence heading into this clash.
Emerse Fae's side could also make history should they win, as Ivory Coast would advance to the knockouts of a World Cup finals for the first time ever.
Curacao vs. Ivory Coast form guide & betting tips
| Curacao | vs | Ivory Coast |
|---|---|---|
LLWLD |
Form | WWWWL |
| 7 | Goals For | 7 |
| 20 | Goals Against | 3 |
LD |
World Cup 2026 | WL |
Whispers predicts: Curacao 0-3 Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast are as short as 2/11 (1.18) favourites to win, and given their superior form and quality in their squad, we are inclined to side with the bookies.
Ivory Coast to win (-2 handicap) at 13/10 (2.30) appeals as a first bet, as Curacao's last three defeats in all competitions have been by 3+ goals.
BTTS – No at 11/20 (1.55) is one that is likely to come through given Ivory Coast's strong defence, with four of their previous five victories across all competitions being to nil.
Overall, we can see this being a comfortable outing for the Elephants, and so Correct score – 0-3 at 6/1 (7.00) could be worth a punt.
> BTTS – No at 11/20 (1.55) | Likelihood: Probable
> Ivory Coast to win (-2 handicap) at 13/10 (2.30) | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct score – 0-3 at 6/1 (7.00) | Likelihood: Outsider