Curacao - Ivory Coast / 2026 FIFA World Cup

Follow the LIVE broadcast of the Curacao - Ivory Coast match in Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on ŠPORT.sk! The match, also broadcast live on JOJ Šport, kicks off at 10:00 PM CET.

On paper, the African representative is heavily favored in this decisive encounter. However, the Caribbean football minnows, under the guidance of experienced Dutch strategist Dick Advocaat, have already proven in this tournament that they shouldn't be underestimated and are aiming for another major upset.

The Curacao national team stunned the football world in their previous outing, securing their first-ever World Cup point. A goalless draw against Ecuador was achieved through heroic defending against immense pressure from the South American opponent, who unleashed an incredible 27 shots on goal.

Goalkeeper Eloy Room emerged as the absolute hero for the islanders, delivering a career-defining performance and effectively shutting down his net. Curacao still harbors hopes of a sensational progression to the knockout stage, but to maintain realistic chances of reaching the Round of 16, they will most likely need a full three points. A slight concern for them, however, remains their long-term form, having won only one of their last seven matches.

On the other side of the coin stands Ivory Coast, who were agonizingly close to securing their qualification celebrations in the second round. The Africans led against favored Germany but ultimately faced heartbreak with a 1-2 defeat, decided by a goal conceded in stoppage time. They enter this match under increased pressure but are undoubtedly the clear favorites.

The math is favorable for them, as a draw is more than enough to secure second place and advancement. However, if they manage to win, they will rewrite their own history, achieving two victories at a single World Cup for the very first time.

This will be the first-ever head-to-head confrontation between these two national teams. Interestingly, not only will Curacao face an African opponent for the first time, but Ivory Coast will also experience a first, having never before met a CONCACAF team at the World Cup. Statistics from both camps clearly indicate that the decisive moments will likely occur after halftime. Curacao has conceded eleven of their last fifteen goals in the second half. This trend perfectly suits the African team, as six of Ivory Coast's last seven World Cup goals have also come after the break. Furthermore, "The Elephants" boast an exceptionally high success rate in front of goal on the biggest stage, having scored in ten of their eleven matches at tournaments of this caliber.

It is therefore expected that Ivory Coast will take control of possession from the outset and press hard against their opponent's deep block, while Advocaat's charges will attempt to weather the initial onslaught and threaten with dangerous counter-attacks as the game progresses.

Statistics from both camps clearly indicate that the decisive moments will likely occur after halftime. Curacao has conceded eleven of their last fifteen goals in the second half. This trend perfectly suits the African team, as six of Ivory Coast's last seven World Cup goals have also come after the break. Furthermore, "The Elephants" boast an exceptionally high success rate in front of goal on the biggest stage, having scored in ten of their eleven matches at tournaments of this caliber.

It is therefore expected that Ivory Coast will take control of possession from the outset and press hard against their opponent's deep block, while Advocaat's charges will attempt to weather the initial onslaught and threaten with dangerous counter-attacks as the game progresses.