The final round of Group E action delivers a genuine David vs Goliath clash when Curacao take on Ivory Coast at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

It's a match where the stakes couldn't be more different: the Elephants are well-positioned to reach the Round of 32 since a win guarantees qualification as group runners-up, while a draw would likely be enough given their current standing…while the Blue Wave need a miracle result and favours from elsewhere to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Curacao's tournament has been a tale of two halves. The 7-1 defeat against Germany on Matchday 1 was brutal, but Dick Advocaat's side showed serious character to grind out a goalless draw against Ecuador last time out.

Keeper Eloy Room produced one of the great World Cup goalkeeping displays, making 15 saves and setting a new 90-minute record for the tournament. That defensive resolve will need to reach similar heights here.

Ivory Coast, meanwhile, have shown they belong at this level. They edged Ecuador 1-0 in their opener thanks to a late Yan Diomande strike, then pushed Germany all the way before falling to a 94th-minute heartbreaker.

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Curacao vs Ivory Coast prediction

Ivory Coast to win and over 2.5 goals is our play here.

The Elephants are heavy favourites and rightly so, and as our Curaçao vs Ivory Coast betting odds page shows, the markets agree. Franck Kessie, Amad Diallo, and Diomande give them attacking firepower that Curacao simply can't match.

On top of that, Curacao must win. A draw is no good to them, and that means Advocaat can't just sit in a 5-4-1 and hope for another 0-0. At some point, the Blue Wave have to commit bodies forward, and that's where this match opens right up.

When Curacao pushed forward against Germany, the floodgates opened. Against Ecuador, they stayed compact and survived.

They won't have the luxury of that approach here since every minute that ticks by without a Curacao goal increases the desperation, and desperation against a side with Ivory Coast's counter-attacking quality is a recipe for goals.

Ivory Coast's patient build-up play should eventually crack the Curacao defence, and once the Blue Wave chase the match, the Elephants' pace on the break will do the rest.

Expect a comfortable Ivory Coast win with at least three goals in the match.

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Curacao vs Ivory Coast team news and line-ups

Predicted Curaçao line-up: Eloy Room, Joshua Brenet, Jurien Gaari, Armando Obispo, Sherel Floranus, Deveron Fonville, Tahith Chong, Livano Comenencia, Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna, Jurgen Locadia.

Dick Advocaat's side are likely to sit deep and play pragmatically, leaning on their keeper who impressed against Ecuador.

Predicted Ivory Coast line-up (4-3-3): Yahia Fofana, Wilfried Singo, Odilon Kossonou, Emmanuel Agbadou, Ghislain Konan, Franck Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare, Christ Oulai, Amad Diallo, Ange-Yoan Bonny, Yan Diomande.

A disciplined, defensively reliable outfit is expected to be named with a knockout berth within reach. Wilfried Singo is expected to miss out with a knock.

Player markets to watch

Our pick: Yan Diomande to score anytime.

The RB Leipzig striker already has a World Cup goal to his name after netting the winner against Ecuador in the opener. He's been Ivory Coast's most dangerous attacking outlet and comes into this one off the back of a strong Bundesliga campaign.

With Curacao likely to sit deep early before opening up, Diomande's movement in behind and clinical finishing make him the most likely source of goals.

Our pick: Amad Diallo to register an assist. The Manchester United winger has been electric in flashes throughout the group stage and his delivery from wide areas has been a constant threat.

With Curacao's wing-backs likely to be pinned back, Diallo will have acres of space to whip balls into dangerous areas.

Curacao vs Ivory Coast Match Details

Date: Friday, June 26, 2026.

Kick-off: 6:00am AEST.

Location: Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia.

Where to watch: Sportsbet, SBS.

Where to Watch Curacao vs Ivory Coast

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World Cup streaming is available both in-app and on-web. As long as you meet the above requirements, you'll be able to tune in on your computer, tablet or phone.

To access the stream for Curaçao vs Ivory Coast simply find your way to the official betting page for this match. Or, if you have a bet on the game you can watch from your "My Bets" section.

Traditional World Cup broadcaster SBS is also showing every World Cup match, meaning you can also watch Curaçao vs Ivory Coast on either SBS, SBS Viceland or SBS On Demand.

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*Odds are subject to change.