- Ivory Coast predicted lineup: Amad and Diomande set to lead Elephants’ 2026 FIFA World Cup Knockout Charge.
- The match kicks off on Thursday June 25,2026 at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).
- Following an opening-round 1-0 win against Ecuador before falling 2-1 to Germany, a win against Curacao will see the Elephants through to the round of 32.
Ivory Coast will be aiming to secure a historic place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages when they face Curacao in their final Group fixture on Thursday.
The Elephants have enjoyed a mixed campaign so far, opening their tournament with a dramatic victory over Ecuador before suffering late heartbreak in a narrow 2-1 defeat to Germany.
Despite the setback, Emerse Fae’s side remain firmly in contention for a place in the Round of 32 and know that a positive result against Curacao could be enough to extend their World Cup journey.
READ MORE ON THIS GAME: Curacao vs Ivory Coast prediction: World Cup 2026 preview, team news, current form & h2h
After experimenting with different tactical setups in the opening two matches, Fae appears set to stick with the more balanced 4-3-3 system that nearly earned his side a valuable result against Germany.
Yahia Fofana is expected to retain his place between the posts after producing a number of important saves in the defeat to Germany. The goalkeeper was largely blameless for both goals conceded and continues to provide a reassuring presence at the back.
There is expected to be at least one change in defence, with Wilfried Singo unavailable after sustaining an injury. Guela Doué is tipped to come into the side at right-back, bringing energy and attacking thrust down the flank.
Emmanuel Agbadou is likely to continue in central defence, although Evan Ndicka is pushing for a starting role after remaining on the bench in the opening two matches. Ghislain Konan should keep his place at left-back.
In midfield, captain Franck Kessié will once again be the heartbeat of the team. The experienced midfielder opened the scoring against Germany and remains crucial both in possession and during defensive transitions.
Ibrahima Sangaré is expected to anchor the midfield after an impressive display in the holding role, where his ball recoveries, interceptions and tackling helped disrupt Germany’s attacking rhythm.
Seko Fofana could return to add dynamism and ball-carrying ability in the middle of the park.
The attack is where Ivory Coast possess their greatest threat. Amad Diallo is expected to continue on the right wing after earning a starting berth against Germany.
The Manchester United attacker remains one of the tournament’s most exciting talents and is capable of changing a match with a moment of individual brilliance.
On the opposite flank, Yan Diomande should keep his place after impressing with his direct running, pace and willingness to take on defenders. His combination with Amad gives the Elephants a dangerous edge in wide areas and provides constant attacking outlets.
Leading the line is expected to be Evann Guessand, whose movement and hold-up play offer Ivory Coast a focal point in attack. The striker will be tasked with occupying Curacao’s defence while creating space for the runners around him.
With qualification within reach, Fae will demand a composed yet aggressive performance from his side. The Elephants have shown throughout the tournament that they possess the attacking quality to trouble any opponent, and they will be hoping their star-studded frontline can fire them into the knockout rounds for the first time in the nation’s history.
Ivory Coast predicted lineup vs Curacao
Yahia Fofana; Guela Doué, Evan Ndicka, Emmanuel Agbadou, Ghislain Konan; Franck Kessié (C), Ibrahima Sangaré, Seko Fofana; Amad Diallo, Evann Guessand, Yan Diomande.