Curacao vs Ivory Coast Picks, Goalscorer Predictions & Injuries

• I expect a methodical, low-scoring affair as Curaçao implements a deep defensive block
• My top betting angle relies on fading the inflated odds of a blowout by backing the Under (3.5, -150)
• Plus-money value lies in backing Ivory Coast winger Amad Diallo to score anytime (+156) in Curacao vs Ivory Coast props

The final matchday of Group E brings a fascinating clash as overwhelming favorites Ivory Coast take on massive underdogs Curaçao. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 25, at Philadelphia Stadium. With both nations fighting to extend their World Cup campaigns, the knockout implications are massive.

Ivory Coast arrives with three points after splitting their first two fixtures. They lean on elite talents like Franck Kessie and Seko Fofana to dictate the midfield. Meanwhile, winless Curaçao clings to tournament life with a single point following a scoreless draw. They are desperate to orchestrate a defensive masterclass, where goalkeeper Eloy Room figures to stand out once again.

From a betting perspective, this fixture presents an intriguing puzzle. The African powerhouse is expected to dominate possession and cruise to victory as heavy road favorites. However, Curaçao’s low-block approach could frustrate bettors looking to blindly back a blowout. I am approaching this David-versus-Goliath matchup by exploiting the expected game script. Will the Ivorians comfortably handle business, or can Curaçao cash a monumental upset ticket?

Curacao vs Ivory Coast Odds

Odds as of June 24, 2026, 8 p.m. ET from Kalshi. American odds equivalents are approximate based on contract prices.

The Kalshi market paints a stark picture for this Group E finale. Ivory Coast is priced at 83¢ to win, which converts to roughly -488 in American odds and signals clear expectations that the Ivorians secure all three points against Dick Advocaat’s squad.

The total goals market is more balanced but still leans toward a controlled match rather than a shootout. Kalshi prices Under 3.5 goals at 60¢, equivalent to about -150, while Over 3.5 goals sits at 40¢, or roughly +150. That suggests the market expects Ivory Coast to win, but not necessarily in a runaway scoreline.

On a $20 position, the potential payouts vary dramatically by contract price. A $20 buy on Ivory Coast at 83¢ would return about $24.10 total if it wins, for roughly $4.10 in profit. The same $20 on Curaçao at 5¢ would return $400 total, while a draw at 11¢ would pay about $181.87. In the goals market, $20 on Over 3.5 at 40¢ would return $48.80 total, and $20 on Under 3.5 at 60¢ would return $33.33.

Curacao vs Ivory Coast Picks and Predictions

Prediction Markets

Best Bets

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Kalshi

Under 3.5 Goals

60%

Amad Diallo 1+ Goal

39%

Full-Time Draw

11%

Predict

Best Bet: Under 3.5 Goals (-150 / 60¢ at Kalshi)

While the traditional moneyline offers absolutely zero value for a straight wager on the favorite, as seen in our World Cup game odds, I see highly exploitable angles in the secondary markets. Oddsmakers have heavily weighted Curaçao’s opening 7-1 blowout loss into their pricing. My analysis suggests a much tighter, lower-scoring affair than the lines imply.

Both teams enter this fixture with exactly six shots on target through two games. Ivory Coast has not generated the high volume of quality chances typically required to win a match by three or more goals. If they secure an early lead, their possession style suggests they are comfortable absorbing play rather than relentlessly chasing a larger margin.

Curaçao recorded a mere 30.0% possession figure thus far and earned exactly one corner kick in 180 minutes. They will park the bus entirely. You can find the “Over 3.5 goals scored – No” contract at 60¢ on Kalshi, which translates to an appealing -150 implied price. This offers much better value than traditional sportsbooks.

Moneyline Lean: Draw (+809 / 11¢ at Kalshi) — For my 3-way moneyline pick, I am taking a calculated stab at the Draw (+750). I cannot advise betting a heavy favorite, and since I strictly target value plays, backing a 0-0 or 1-1 stalemate presents excellent positive expected value (+EV). Curaçao just proved they can execute a flawless low block against Ecuador.

Player Prop Pick: Amad Diallo 1+ Goal (+156 / 39¢ at Kalshi) — My final target is the types of World Cup prop bets market. Because Curaçao will put 11 men behind the ball, scoring opportunities will have to be manufactured through precise wide play. This perfectly aligns with the profile of Ivorian winger Amad Diallo. I am buying his “1+ Goal – Yes” contract on Kalshi at 39¢, which equates to roughly +156 odds.

Curacao vs Ivory Coast Recent Form and Tactical Mismatches

Evaluating the underlying metrics for both nations reveals exactly where this match will be decided. Below is a breakdown of their form across recent international windows and the current tournament.

Ivory Coast comfortably outpaces Curaçao in terms of general ball retention, dictating that Dick Advocaat’s side will spend the vast majority of this fixture pinned in their own half. The Ivorians generate roughly 3.0 corner kicks per match compared to Curaçao’s tournament-worst 0.5.

Despite their overall control of the game script, Ivory Coast has struggled to test the opposing goalkeeper at an elite rate. These metrics support my prediction of a methodical performance from the African side rather than a wide-open scoring exhibition.

Curacao vs Ivory Coast Injury Report

As both nations prepare for their final Group E fixture, managers Dick Advocaat and Emerse Fae are managing several notable knocks. I am monitoring the official tournament injury report, which features key names on both sides.

Curaçao forward Jurgen Locadia is listed as doubtful. His potential absence is a massive blow to a squad completely starved of attacking opportunities. Without him, the burden of breaking out of the defensive block falls entirely on Juninho Bacuna.

For the Ivorians, the injury report is concentrated entirely on the backline. Star defenders Evan Ndicka and Wilfried Singo are both doubtful, and neither is expected to be available here. Under normal circumstances, losing two high-level defenders would be a major cause for concern. However, I do not expect Curaçao to generate enough sustained pressure to exploit this makeshift defensive unit.

Curacao vs Ivory Coast Projected Starting Lineups

Curaçao (5-4-1): Eloy Room; Joshua Brenet, Jurien Gaari, Armando Obispo, Sheral Floranus, Deveron Fonville; Tahith Chong, Livano Comenencia, Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna; Jurgen Locadia

Ivory Coast (4-4-2): Yahia Fofana; Guela Doue, Odilon Kossounou, Emmanuel Agbadou, Ghislain Konan; Amad Diallo, Franck Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare, Yan Diomande; Christ Inao Oulai, Ange-Yoan Bonny