An exciting group finale is on the docket between Curacao and Ivory Coast in Philadelphia.
Group E
Friday, 26 June | Philadelphia Stadium
Kick-off time
04:00 (GMT+8)
The match
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ has already been a historic one for Curacao and the tournament first-timers will look to chart more new waters in their Group E finale against Ivory Coast. After an opening 7-1 defeat to Germany that saw them score their first World Cup goal, the Caribbean island secured their first point with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador. The hero was goalkeeper Eloy Room, who tied a global finals record with 16 saves.
Their knockout round hopes are alive, but they require a win and other results to go their way against Ivory Coast side making their fourth appearance in the global finals. Les Elephants edged Ecuador 1-0 in their opener but then fell late 2-1 to Germany. Nevertheless, a result against Curcao secures a Round of 32 berth.
The group runner-up will face the Group I runner-up at Dallas Stadium on 30 June, while the Group E third-place finisher could potentially face the winner of Group A, B, D, G, K or L.
Curacao possible starting XI
Room; Gaari, Floranus, Obispo, Brenet, Fonville; J. Bacuna, Comenencia, L. Bacuna, Chong; Locadia
Ivory Coast possible starting XI
Fofana; Konan, Kossounou, Agbadou, G.Doue; Inao Oulai, Kessie, Fofana; Diallo, Diomande, Bonny
What they said….
“Ivory Coast is an excellent team that beat France 2-1 in a friendly. We should be proud to be able to play against this kind of opponent. The players want to rise to this challenge. We want to do our best. If we play as well as we did against Ecuador, I think we’ll be on the right track. I have a great feeling about this, despite the quality of the Ivory Coast. We can make life difficult for any opponent.” Dick Advocaat, Curacao coach
“It’s going to be a tough match; we’ll have to be well-organized, all working together. We’re going to give it our all; we’re going to try to hurt them.” Tahith Chong, Curacao midfielder
“The key tomorrow will be our ability to bring the same level of commitment, the same mindset, and the same intensity that we showed against Ecuador and Germany. If we respect our opponent tomorrow, I think we’ll have a good chance of advancing to the next Round. We’ve had time to get over the loss to Germany. The team’s in good spirits. The players know they’re not far from a historic qualification for the second round of a World Cup.” Emerse Fae, Ivory Coast coach
Philadelphia Stadium
Philadelphia Stadium opened with a blockbuster friendly match between Manchester United against Barcelona in August 2003, with Ronaldinho setting up Patrick Kluivert to score the arena’s first goal. It would go on to house USA national team games, the 2015 Gold Cup final and Manchester United again in the years since, as well as becoming the permanent residence of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles and the temporary home of MLS team Philadelphia Union during the 2010 season. The venue was the setting for a total of eight fixtures during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, with six group games, one Round of 16 match and eventual winners Chelsea’s quarter-final victory over Palmeiras, which was also played on 4 July.