Ivory Coast starting lineup vs Curacao confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 match

The Ivory Coast and Curaçao will face each other for the first time at the FIFA World Cup.

The Ivory Coast will face Curacao in their last group stage game of the FIFA World Cup at the Philadelphia Stadium in Pennsylvania on Thursday, June 25. Les Éléphants are currently one of the only two teams in Group E that have secured a win in the ongoing tournament.

Facing Ecuador in their opening World Cup game, the Ivory Coast delivered a strong performance. Their backline, including goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, did not allow the Ecuadorian attackers to get on the scoresheet.

Yan Diamande played with a high work rate while creating the five chances and had 12 touches in the opposition box. However, coming off the bench, Manchester United attacker Amad Diallo became the only goal scorer of the game. He completed six dribbles while taking two shots and creating a chance in 34 minutes against one of the best defences in the ongoing World Cup.

In the next game, they squared off against four-time champions Germany. Franck Kessie found the back of the net for Les Éléphants, but it wasn’t enough for the Ivory Coast to overcome the challenge created by Germany’s find of the tournament, Deniz Undav.

With three points from two games, Les Éléphants are likely to secure a spot in the last 32, and a win will solidify their berth in the knockout stages while giving them the much-needed form and confidence.

Ivory Coast lineup for the FIFA World Cup match against Curacao

Ivory Coast XI: Yahia Fofana (GK); Guéla Doué, Odilon Kossounou, Ousmane Diomande, Christopher Operi, Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, Nicolas Pepe; Amad Diallo, Ange-Yoan Bonny, Yan Diomande

Thoughts on the lineup

Young players Amad Diallo, Ange-Yoan Bonny and Yan Diomande will form the attack for the Ivory Coast in their last group stage game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Franck Kessié, who also scored during Les Éléphants’ last game, will lead the side’s midfield.

Ibrahim Sangaré and Nicolas Pepe will join the Al-Ahli player in the midfield. Guéla Doué and Christopher Operi will play as the fullbacks, while Odilon Kossounou and Ousmane Diomande will form the formidable centre-back pairing, giving Evan Ndicka and Emmanuel Agbadou rest. Meanwhile, Yahia Fofana will keep the gloves.

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