Curacao vs Ivory Coast Predicted Lineups & Team News

It's D-day for Curacao's fairytale World Cup campaign on Thursday (3pm local/9pm BST, BBC Two) as they face Ivory Coast at Philadelphia Stadium. The smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup sits bottom of Group E with one point and must win to have any chance of advancing as a best third‑placed team.

Ivory Coast need only a point to secure second place and book their spot in the knockout rounds, but they cannot afford to rest any of their big guns after the Blue Wave's gallant display against Ecuador. Below is the full Curacao vs Ivory Coast team news breakdown, key players to watch and predicted lineups.

Curacao

Curacao's squad are already legends after reaching the finals and taking a historic point against Ecuador on Sunday.

The 7-1 defeat to Germany exposed the gulf in quality they must overcome, but the gritty 0‑0 draw with the South Americans gave them hope that this journey could be extended to the knockout stages.

Dick Advocaat's side now face another tough test against a dangerous Ivory Coast side that beat Ecuador and were within touching distance of a point against the Germans.

The ex-Rangers coach deployed a compact 5-4-1 formation in the second game and saw his side pinned back for long periods.

Ecuador dominated with 73% possession and registered 27 shots in total with Blue Wave keeper Eloy Room setting a record for the most saves in 90 minutes in World Cup history.

Leandro Bacuna and Livano Comenencia sit in front of the back five to protect central areas, with Tahith Chong and Juninho Bacuna the primary ball‑carriers on the break.

Jurgen Locadia picked up a knock on Sunday but should be fit enough to start in attack.

Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast have been solid if unspectacular, beating Ecuador on a last-minute breakaway goal and pushing Germany close only to see Deniz Undav pop up with the 94th-minute clincher.

That outcome could have been different had substitute Simon Adingra not wasted a superb opportunity on the break.

Defenders Evan N'Dicka and Wilfried Singo are both doubtful for the Group E finale with the Elephants likely to be without their right-back because of a hamstring injury.

Guela Doue, who started on the right of the back four in the opening game, is set to return alongside Odilon Kossounou, Emmanuel Agbadou and Ghislain Konan.

Franck Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare and Christ Oulai provide the legs in midfield while Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande are set to play out wide, either side of Ange-Yoan Bonny.

Elye Wahi started the opening game but fell out of favour and did not get on against Germany with Nicolas Pepe and Evann Guessand preferred as impact substitutes.

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live Curacao vs Ivory Coast Odds over on betfred.com

Ecuador vs Germany Key Players:

Eloy Room (Curacao)

Thirty-seven-year-old goalkeeper Eloy Room turned in a truly remarkable display against Ecuador, making 15 saves to preserve a precious point.

He rose to the occasion after being called upon to deny Enner Valencia in a one-on-one after just three minutes.

It was not the first time that the record-setting goalkeeper had stolen the show, as he earned a move to Major League Soccer on the back of one such display against the United States at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Room's services will be required again on Thursday as Curacao face a potent Ivory Coast front three backed up by several threatening attackers on the bench.

Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)

Amad Diallo's ability to beat defenders and create from nothing is exactly what Ivory Coast need against a side expected to deploy a low block.

Curacao must double‑up on him or risk being carved open on the right-hand side, from where Diallo slotted home the Elephants' winning goal against Ecuador.

The Manchester United star loves tournament football, having scored three goals at this year's Africa Cup of Nations finals.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com