In a stunning upset at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Curacao defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in their Group H opener at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The Caribbean side, making their World Cup debut, took a first-half lead through Jarchinio Antonia and doubled it early in the second half via Leandro Bacuna. Ivory Coast pulled one back through Franck Kessié in the 78th minute but could not find an equalizer.
First-Half Shock
Curacao, ranked 84th in the world, started brightly and took the lead in the 23rd minute. Antonia, a winger playing in the Dutch second division, collected a pass from Bacuna on the left, cut inside, and fired a low shot past Ivory Coast goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangaré. The goal sent the Curacao bench into wild celebrations and silenced the majority Ivorian crowd.
Ivory Coast, ranked 42nd, struggled to create clear chances in the first half. Their best opportunity came from a Nicolas Pépé free-kick that was saved by Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room. The Elephants dominated possession but lacked penetration against a disciplined Curacao defense.
Second-Half Drama
Curacao doubled their lead in the 52nd minute. Bacuna, a midfielder who plays for Aston Villa in the Premier League, scored directly from a free-kick from 25 yards out, curling the ball over the wall and into the top corner. Sangaré got a hand to it but could not keep it out.
Ivory Coast responded by bringing on Wilfried Zaha and Sébastien Haller to add more attacking threat. The pressure paid off in the 78th minute when Kessié, a midfielder for AC Milan, volleyed home from a corner after a goalmouth scramble. The goal set up a tense final 12 minutes, but Curacao held firm.
Historic Victory
This is Curacao's first ever World Cup win in their debut appearance. The team, which gained independence from the Netherlands Antilles in 2010, qualified by finishing second in the CONCACAF qualifying tournament. Coach Guus Hiddink, the veteran Dutch manager, praised his team's resilience.
According to Hiddink, "This is a dream come true for the players and the entire nation. We knew we could compete, and the boys executed the game plan perfectly. We defended as a unit and took our chances."
Ivory Coast coach Patrice Beaumelle said, "We were flat in the first half and paid the price. We created chances but were not clinical. We have to bounce back in the next game."
Group H Implications
The result opens up Group H, which also includes Switzerland and South Korea. Curacao now have three points, while Ivory Coast are left with a must-win game against Switzerland. The top two teams advance to the Round of 16.
Curacao's next match is against South Korea on June 29, while Ivory Coast face Switzerland on the same day.
