Curacao starting lineup vs Ivory Coast confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 match
(Courtesy : Getty)
The Blue Wave can seal a historic World Cup qualification in tonight’s match.
Curacao take on Ivory Coast in their final Group E clash in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 25. The tiny Caribbean nation, who are making their World Cup debut in the expanded 48-team edition in North America, are still in the reckoning for securing a place in the knockout stages.
The smallest-ever nation to qualify for the World Cup, the Blue Wave were beaten 7-1 in their opening match against Germany. However, Livano Comenencia’s goal gave them a massive morale boost as it marked their first-ever strike in the tournament.
The minnows followed that up with a superb goalless draw against Ecuador. Goalkeeper Eloy Room was the hero of the night, making a joint-record 15 saves to earn his side their first point in the biggest football event in the world.
However, their path to the Round of 32 is not straightforward. First, they need to beat Ivory Coast tonight and hope that Germany beat Ecuador in the other fixture. If Dick Advocaat’s side can finish with a better goal difference than Ecuador, they will finish in second place and get assured qualification to the next stage.
Also Read: Ecuador vs Germany: Five key battles to watch in FIFA World Cup 2026
Let’s look at the Curacao confirmed lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Ivory Coast:
Curacao (5-4-1): Eloy Room; Joshua Brenet, Jurien Gaari, Armando Obispo, Sherel Floranus, Deveron Fonville; Tahith Chong, Livano Comenencia, Leandro Bacuna (c), Juninho Bacuna; Jurgen Locadia.
Substitutes: Tyrick Bodak (gk), Trevor Doornbusch (gk), Jeremy Antonisse, Riechedly Bazoer, Kevin Felida, Kenji Gorre, Sontje Hansen, Gervane Kastaneer, Brandley Kuwas, Jearl Margaritha, Arjany Martha, Tyrese Noslin, Godfried Roemeratoe, Shurandy Sambo, Roshon van Eijma.
Thoughts on the lineup
With their qualification hopes on the line, Advocaat will set up with a defensively compact five-man defence. PSV defender Armando Obispo joins Sherel Floranus and Jurien Gaari in central defence. Kayserispor’s Joshua Brenet starts at right-back, with NEC Nijmegen’s versatile youngster Deveron Fonville on the left.
Defensive midfielder Livano Comenencia has been brilliant for his national side in the tournament and will once again be tasked with controlling the tempo of the contest. He is joined by 34-year-old Leandro Bacuna, who will play in a box-to-box capacity.
Leandro’s brother, Juninho Bacuna, starts on the left flank, but will likely drift inside and overload the middle of the park as the match progresses. Former Manchester United prospect Tahith Chong starts on the right wing.
Influential forward Jurgen Locadia was substituted in the last match with a knock, but the Miami FC player is fit enough to start as the team’s lone striker tonight.
When is Curacao vs Ivory Coast FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
The Group E clash is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. In India, the match will kick off at 1:30 AM IST on June 26.
How to watch Curacao vs Ivory Coast match in India?
Fans in India can watch live on Zee5 (premium subscription required) or on Unite8 Sports TV channels.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.