World Cup 2026: Côte d’Ivoire lead Curaçao at half-time (1-0)

Tirs cadres: Curaçao 2 / Ivory Coast 2
Tirs: Curaçao 9 / Ivory Coast 6
Possession: Curaçao 35% / Ivory Coast 65%
Corners: Curaçao 3 / Ivory Coast 4
Fautes: Curaçao 11 / Ivory Coast 5
Cartons jaunes: Curaçao 1 / Ivory Coast 1
Cartons rouges: Curaçao 0 / Ivory Coast 0

The numbers, however, paint a more nuanced first half. Curaçao had the ball with 26% possession and tried its luck more often, with 2 shots compared with 4 for Côte d'Ivoire. In the decisive area, the shots-on-target count stands at 1 for Curaçao and 1 for Côte d'Ivoire.

First-half key moments

Goal – Nicolas Pépé (assist Yan Diomande) (Côte d'Ivoire, 7th)
Yellow card – Nicolas Pépé (Côte d'Ivoire, 35th)

Côte d'Ivoire have taken control

With this one-goal lead, Côte d'Ivoire head to the dressing room with a tangible advantage and a clear platform to build on. The second half could allow them to protect this scoreline, provided they do not drop too deep.

Curaçao must raise their level

For Curaçao, the return from the dressing room demands greater precision in the opposition box. The team had the ball in spells, but they must turn those strong periods into clearer chances to avoid chasing the score until the end.