Cote d’Ivoire faces Curacao in Group E at the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, live from Philadelphia Stadium on June 25, 2026. Here’s how to watch live on TV.
- Time: 4:00 PM ET
- Location: Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, PA
- TV Channels: FS1, Universo
How to Watch Cote d’Ivoire vs. Curacao on June 25, 2026
You can watch Curacao take on Cote d’Ivoire live on DIRECTV on FS1 and Universo on June 25, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET.
Cote d’Ivoire (1-1-0) vs. Curacao (0-1-1) — Group E Match Preview
Cote d’Ivoire and Curacao meet in a Group E match at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia on June 25 in one of the most asymmetric matchups of this 2026 FIFA World Cup™ — a four-time participant and reigning AFCON champion against a nation making its World Cup debut with a population of roughly 156,000. Cote d’Ivoire arrive sitting at 1-1-0 in Group E, already with a victory over Ecuador in their opener under their belt, while Curacao stand at 0-1-1 after earning their first-ever FIFA World Cup™ point with a draw in their second group match, though they’re still searching for their first tournament victory. The Ivorians qualified out of CAF unbeaten with a goal difference of plus-25, a dominant run that included some of the confederation’s most lopsided results in this cycle, and they carry that momentum as they look to secure a place in the knockout rounds from Group E. Curacao, by contrast, went unbeaten through CONCACAF qualifying and clinched their place with a 0-0 draw at Jamaica, arriving at this tournament having never conceded a pathway — yet they have struggled to find their footing once the group stage began. The story of their bench is equally remarkable: manager Dick Advocaat, at 78, is the oldest head coach in World Cup history, steering a squad of which 25 of 26 players were born in the Netherlands. After leading Côte d’Ivoire to the 2023 AFCON title, Emerse Faé now has the opportunity to guide the Elephants into the FIFA World Cup™ knockout rounds.
National TV
FS1, Universo
What Time is the Curacao vs. Cote d’Ivoire Match Today?
The Cote d’Ivoire vs. Curacao match starts at 4:00 PM ET.
Where Can I Watch Cote d’Ivoire vs. Curacao?
You can watch Cote d’Ivoire vs. Curacao on FS1 and Universo.
Players to Watch: Cote d’Ivoire vs. Curacao
Cote d’Ivoire
Yan Diomande — Winger. At just 19 years old, Diomande put together one of the Bundesliga’s most striking breakout seasons in 2025-26, finishing with 12 goals and 8 assists across 28 starts for RB Leipzig and generating 53 shots over that run. He arrives at this 2026 FIFA World Cup™ as the sharpest attacking weapon in an Ivorian squad that has historically struggled to turn its individual talent into deep tournament runs.
Amad Diallo — Winger. Diallo contributed 2 goals and 3 assists across 27 Premier League starts for Manchester United in 2025-26, accumulating 53 shots and proving himself capable of the kind of direct, incisive play that gives deep defensive blocks real problems. Paired with Diomande in wide areas, Cote d’Ivoire carry genuine width and pace going forward.
Franck Kessie — Midfielder. The captain and midfield anchor, Kessie put up 5 goals and 3 assists across 26 starts in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ahli in 2025-26, generating 33 shots and demonstrating a consistency of output that his national team has long relied on. His ability to drive from deep and arrive late in the box gives Cote d’Ivoire a third goal threat that opposing midfields often can’t account for until it’s too late.
Curacao
Tahith Chong — Midfielder. The one player on Curacao’s World Cup roster who was actually born on the island, Chong brings a direct, energetic style from his club work at Sheffield United and claimed 1 goal across 2 international starts in the lead-up to this tournament. For a side built almost entirely from the Dutch-born diaspora, his presence carries symbolic weight as much as tactical value.
Juninho Bacuna — Midfielder. Bacuna led CONCACAF qualifying in chances created, establishing himself as the primary creative engine in a Curacao side that won through collective discipline rather than individual star power. Whether he can replicate that output against a more physically imposing Ivorian midfield is the central question for Curacao’s attack in this match.
Eloy Room — Goalkeeper. Room is Curacao’s first-choice keeper and will be their busiest player on the pitch, having already made 9 saves in 3 international starts while conceding 10 goals. How he performs against Cote d’Ivoire’s front line — and whether he can find the clean sheet that has eluded Curacao at this tournament — will largely define what kind of exit the debutants make.
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