Ivory Coast face Curacao at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Thursday 25 June 2026 in the final Group E match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Elephants will expect to push for qualification while Curacao play in their first ever men’s World Cup.
What is the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the men’s world championship, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026. It is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to the new round of 32.
When is Ivory Coast vs Curacao?
Kick-off is on Thursday 25 June 2026 at 5:00pm ET (10:00pm BST). Both final Group E fixtures are played simultaneously, alongside Germany vs Ecuador at MetLife Stadium.
Where is Ivory Coast vs Curacao?
Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia hosts the match. The 69,000-capacity home of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles is one of eleven US venues at the tournament and has a reconfigured pitch for FIFA regulations.
Key Contenders
Ivory Coast come into the World Cup as reigning African champions after winning AFCON 2023 on home soil. Coached by Emerse Fae, they build around Sebastien Haller up front and the creativity of Simon Adingra and Franck Kessie in midfield. The Elephants will expect to take top spot or second place from Group E.
Curacao, a Dutch Caribbean island with a population of around 150,000, qualified for their first ever FIFA World Cup in a historic CONCACAF campaign under Dick Advocaat. The squad draws heavily on Dutch-based professionals including Leandro Bacuna and Juninho Bacuna. A result here would be one of the great World Cup upsets.
How to Watch
UK viewers can watch on BBC or ITV, with streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. In the United States, Fox covers matches in English and Telemundo in Spanish, with streaming via Tubi and Peacock. Canadian audiences can watch on CTV, TSN and RDS. Across Africa, SuperSport and New World TV hold broadcast rights for the tournament.
History and Records
Ivory Coast and Curacao have never met at senior international level before. Ivory Coast are at their fourth World Cup having previously appeared in 2006, 2010 and 2014. Curacao’s appearance in 2026 is historic, representing the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for a men’s World Cup.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets are sold exclusively through FIFA.com. Group-stage matches in Philadelphia start at around USD 80, with premium and hospitality options available through FIFA’s official hospitality partner. Any resale runs through FIFA’s official platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ivory Coast vs Curacao start?
Thursday 25 June 2026 at 5:00pm ET (10:00pm BST).
Where is Ivory Coast vs Curacao being held?
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia.
How can I watch Ivory Coast vs Curacao?
BBC or ITV in the UK, Fox or Telemundo in the US, SuperSport across much of Africa.
Is this Curacao’s first World Cup?
Yes. 2026 marks Curacao’s debut at a FIFA men’s World Cup.