Ivory Coast stand one result away from achieving what even Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure could not — qualification beyond the group stage of a FIFA World Cup. Les Elephants face Curacao at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, knowing that a single point will confirm their place in the Round of 32 at FIFA World Cup 2026.

What is at stake

Ivory Coast arrive in this fixture three points behind group leaders Germany but two clear of both Ecuador and Curacao. Emerse Fae's side narrowly missed sealing qualification in their previous match, when Germany came from behind in the final 25 minutes to cancel out Franck Kessie's opener. The Ivorians had previously beaten Ecuador courtesy of Amad Diallo's 90th-minute winner, and that result means their destiny remains firmly in their own hands.

For Curacao, the stakes are no less dramatic. The Caribbean nation — already the smallest country by population ever to compete at a FIFA World Cup — stunned the footballing world with an equaliser against Germany in a 7-1 defeat, before goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a record-equalling 15 saves to earn a goalless draw against Ecuador. Dick Advocaat's side will need an outright victory here, combined with Ecuador failing to beat Germany, to advance as runners-up.

Where Ivory Coast can hurt Curacao

Despite scoring only twice in the tournament so far, both goals came against strong opposition — Germany, a title favourite, and a notoriously defensive Ecuador backline. Ivory Coast's most dangerous play has flowed through the flanks, with Yan Diomande, Amad Diallo, and Nicolas Pepe combining pace and directness to threaten. Fae's men will fancy their chances of doing real damage against a Curacao side built almost entirely on defensive structure.

Curacao have played exclusively on the counter-attack, managing just six shots on target across their two matches, including Livano Comenencia's equaliser against Germany. Eloy Room's heroics kept them alive against Ecuador, but Advocaat's side will need more than another goalkeeping masterclass to upset Les Elephants.

At the other end, Emmanuel Agbadou has had some uncertain moments in the Ivory Coast defence, and Curacao's pacey forwards may look to exploit any lapses.

Prediction

Curacao 0-2 Ivory Coast. Les Elephants are expected to make history with a composed, controlled performance — and in doing so, book a place in the knockout rounds for the first time at a FIFA World Cup.