Ivory Coast face Curacao tonight, looking to qualify for the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history.
The Elephants beat Ecuador in their opener thanks to a last-gasp Amad Diallo goal, but suffered a late heartbreak of their own after Denis Undav secured a 2-1 for Germany in the 94th-minute.
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Coach Emerse Fae - who was in charge for their Africa Cup of Nations title win in 2023 - started off the tournament with a 4-4-2 formation, with Manchester United winger Amad surprisingly on the bench.
In the Germany game, Fae started Amad and switched to a 4-1-4-1 formation, making five changes: he dropped right-back Guela Doue (brother of France and Paris Saint-Germain star Desire), central midfielder Seko Fofana and forwards Nicolas Pepe, Elye Wahi, and Bazoumana Toure.
Odilon Kossounou came in at centre back, while Ibrahima Sangare acted as a sole defensive screen at the base of midfield. Inao Oulai partnered Franck Kessie, while Ange-Yoan Bonny was the lone striker. Diallo replaced Pepe on the right-wing.
Fae’s changes almost worked as they led Germany until the 68th minute through Kessie’s first-half goal, before Undav’s late heroics.
There will be at least one enforced change as Wilfried Singo is set for a period of rest after avoiding a serious injury in the loss to Germany. He makes the bench but Doue replaces him at right back.
Amad keeps his place, while Yan Diomande has played on both wings in the tournament and does the same. Nicolas Pepe also gets the nod.
Yahia Fofana made several good saves against Germany, and could do little about either of Undav’s finishes, so remains between the sticks.
Ivory Coast XI: Fofana, O. Diomande, Kossounou, Operi, Doue, Kessie, Sangare, Bonny, Y. Diomande, Diallo, Pepe
Subs: Kone, Lafont, Konan, Singo, Agbadou, Ndicka, Seri, S. Fofana, Guiagon, Oulai, Adingra, Wahi, Diakite, Guessand, Toure
Time and date: 9pm BST on Thursday, June 25, 2026
How to watch: ITV
Venue: Philadelphia Stadium
