Ivory Coast secured a 2-1 victory over Curaçao in their World Cup 2026 Group H opener at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Goals from Sébastien Haller and Franck Kessié gave the Elephants a 2-0 lead before Curaçao pulled one back through Rangelo Janga.
First Half Dominance
Ivory Coast controlled the first half, with Haller opening the scoring in the 23rd minute after a neat through ball from Jean Michaël Seri. Kessié doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 38th minute after a handball by Curaçao defender Darryl Lachman.
According to FIFA statistics, Ivory Coast had 62% possession in the first half and registered 8 shots on goal compared to Curaçao's 2.
Curaçao's Fightback
Curaçao came out stronger after the break, pressing higher and creating chances. Their efforts paid off in the 67th minute when Janga headed in from a corner by Leandro Bacuna. The goal sparked hope for the Caribbean side, but Ivory Coast's defense held firm.
Ivory Coast coach Jean-Louis Gasset said after the match: "We started well but lost focus in the second half. We need to be more consistent." Curaçao coach Guus Hiddink praised his team's resilience: "We showed character and could have equalized. We're still in the tournament."
Key Statistics and Impact
Ivory Coast recorded 14 total shots to Curaçao's 7, with 6 on target. The win puts Ivory Coast top of Group H, while Curaçao sits bottom after the opening round of matches. The result is significant for Ivory Coast, who are aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2014.
Both teams play their next group match on June 29, with Ivory Coast facing Japan and Curaçao taking on Mexico.
