World Cup 2026: Curacao vs Ivory Coast Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Curacao take on Ivory Coast at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Thursday, with kickoff at 22:00 CAT. The Ivorians sit second on three points and a win almost certainly books their place in the round of 32, while Curacao are bottom with just a solitary point and chasing the meaningful goal that has so far eluded them. For Dick Advocaat and the smallest nation ever to reach the finals, this is about pride and history. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Curacao

Curacao found this level brutal in their first game, giving up seven against Germany before a battling goalless draw with Ecuador that at least showed they can dig in. In my opinion Dick Advocaat will set them up to defend deep again and frustrate, leaning on goalkeeper Eloy Room and captain Leandro Bacuna to hold things together. They carry minimal attacking threats, having managed just one goal in the tournament, so realistically they are playing to keep the score down. My read on this is that they compete for a while before the gap in quality tells.

Predicted Lineup: Room; Brenet, Gaari, Obispo, Floranus, Fonville; Comenencia, L. Bacuna, J. Bacuna; Locadia, Gorre.

Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast were beaten narrowly by Germany after defeating Ecuador in their opener, and know a win here all but guarantees second place and a knockout berth. Franck Kessie pulls the strings in midfield and is dangerous from set pieces, while Amad Diallo and Evann Guessand give them genuine quality in the final third. From my point of view they have far too much pace and power for Curacao and will look to score early to settle any nerves. Goal difference only matters to them if Ecuador upsets Germany, but nonetheless the gulf in quality in this game should see them winning easily.

Predicted Lineup: Fofana; Singo, Kossounou, Agbadou, Konan; Sangare, Kessie, Oulai; Diallo, Guessand, Diomande.

Ivory Coast have the quality and the motivation to win this comfortably. Curacao will defend in numbers but they have neither the personnel nor the threat to stay with the Elephants for ninety minutes. My forecast: Curacao 0 Ivory Coast 3.

BTTS: No (1.48)

I am backing Both Teams To Score: No, and my read on this is that Curacao have managed a single goal all tournament and will set up purely to contain. Ivory Coast defend well through Kossounou and Agbadou and should keep a clean sheet against the weakest attack in the group. At 1.48 a shutout for the Elephants is the bet I trust most here.