Ivory Coast faces Curaçao in another Group Stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The African side arrives with a squad full of experience and talent, aiming to control the game from the opening whistle and capitalize on the quality of its key players to secure the victory.

The Elephants are expected to line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, a system that provides balance between defense and attack.

Yahia Fofana leads an experienced back line

In goal, Yahia Fofana is expected to start thanks to his reliability between the posts and his ability to build play from the back.

The defensive line would feature Wilfried Singo at right back and Ghislain Konan on the left, two full-backs capable of joining the attack when needed. In central defense, Odilon Kossounou and Emmanuel Agbadou are expected to form a partnership that combines physical strength, pace, and aerial ability to contain Curaçao's attacking threats.

Sangaré, Kessié, and Amad set the tempo

The balance in midfield would be provided by Ibrahima Sangaré, who is expected to operate as the holding midfielder, shielding the defense and winning possession to launch attacking transitions.

Ahead of him, Franck Kessié and Christ Inao Oulaï would link midfield with the attack, contributing creativity, ball progression, and physical presence. On the wings, Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande would provide pace, dribbling ability, and the creativity needed to generate scoring opportunities in one-on-one situations.