After spurning a lead to lose 2-1 to Germany on matchday two, Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae says his side are ready to make history by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
Amad Diallo’s 90th-minute winner against Ecuador in their opener means the Elephants remain well placed to progress to the last 32 when they face competition debutants Curacao in Philadelphia on Thursday.
“Our destiny is in our hands and our feet,” Fae told FIFA. “I really think we have what it takes to do it. We also have the determination.
“We’ve been through difficult moments but the squad has managed to stay united and together at all times.”
Eloy Room vanquised the pain of losing 7-1 to Germany in Curacao’s first-ever finals match by making a record-equalling 15 saves in their 0-0 draw with Ecuador.
Dick Advocaat’s team will put themselves in a strong position to reach the last 32 if they spring a huge surprise against opponents ranked 50 places above them by FIFA.
“You put me in a nice line with [Lionel] Messi,” Miami FC’s Room told one reporter who suggested his display had been as memorable as the Argentina captain’s hat-trick against Algeria.
“If you think about it, it’s legendary. But I was not busy with all of that; I was busy stopping the balls and making sure we got a point. The rest, we’ll see later.”
Group E winners Germany meet an Ecuador side needing victory in the simultaneous closing match of the section in New Jersey.
| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2 | +7 | 6 |
| Ivory Coast | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Ecuador | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
| Curacao | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 1 |
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World Cup 2026: Curacao v Ivory Coast team news
Ivory Coast defender Wilfried Singo is a doubt with a thigh injury sustained against Germany but centre-back Evan Ndicka could feature for the first time in the campaign, having returned to training following the same issue.
Middlesbrough winger Sontje Hansen has not featured for Curacao since being substituted at half-time in their defeat to Die Mannschaft.
Gervane Kastaneer, who top-scored for the Blue Wave in qualifying with five goals, has come on seven minutes from the end of both of their matches and could be given more time with the imperative on winning.
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