Curaçao vs Ivory Coast — World Cup 2026

Tale of the tape.

Three duels that decide it.

// Midfield · The Possession Duel

J. Bacuna

#7 · Al Wehda Club

VS

F. Kessié

#8 · Al-Ahli Jeddah

Bacuna's technical press against Kessié's powerful box-to-box engine. Kessié's presence and aerial dominance should prove decisive in controlling the middle third, though Bacuna's distributor's craft could create fleeting opportunities on the break.

// Left Defence vs Right Wing · The Explosive Test

S. Floranus

#5 · PEC Zwolle

VS

A. Diallo

#15 · Manchester United

Diallo's explosive acceleration and cutting edge against Floranus's positional discipline. The Ivorian winger's athleticism and United pedigree should trouble the Dutch defender, who will need immaculate positioning to avoid being undone by a sudden burst down the line.

// Centre Forward vs Centre Back · The Physical Battle

J. Margaritha

#16 · Phoenix Rising

VS

E. Ndicka

#21 · AS Roma

Margaritha's directness up against Ndicka's Roma-forged solidity and composure. Ndicka's experience and reading of the game give him the edge, but Margaritha's willingness to run the channels and hold play could create pockets of space for Curaçao's transitions.

Curaçao's Fortress vs Ivory Coast's Flair

A battle between Curaçao's structured, counter-based identity and Ivory Coast's expansive, technically gifted approach. Advocaat's side will sit deep and look to exploit pace on the break, while Belmadi's Ivorians seek to dominate possession and break down a disciplined rearguard.

Win probability.

Even-money default — ranks not yet on file.

The bench faceoff.

Curaçao · Head coach

D. Advocaat

Ivory Coast · Head coach

D. Belmadi

Where to watch.