Curaçao hailed as favorite by Advocaat ahead of third group match

On Thursday 11 July 2026 Curaçao will face Ivory Coast at Philadelphia Stadium. Coach Dick Advocaat, the oldest manager at the tournament, declared in the press area that this is the first time his side is seen as a favorite. The comment came just before kickoff, as the Caribbean team hopes to improve their recent form.

How does Tahij Chong handle the pressure?

Tahij Chong, the only Curaçao player born on the island, stressed that all teammates are equal regardless of background. "We all have roots from Curaçao. Everyone is equal to us," he said in an interview. Chong, 26, started his career at Feyenoord and later made five appearances for Manchester United. He views this World Cup moment as a chance to reach the round of 16, despite the strong opponent.

What do the recent stats reveal about Curaçao?

The last official match ended in a 2‑1 loss to Honduras on 25 June 2025 (Live Data). The past five group games show a record of 0 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses (LDDDL, most recent first). These numbers highlight the challenge Advocaat and his squad must overcome to justify their favorite status.

Why is the atmosphere in Philadelphia unique?

Advocaat noted that high ticket prices create a divide between rich and poor, yet people on Curaçao still enjoy the tournament. "It’s unprecedented what this has unleashed," he said. The stadium, usually home to the NFL Eagles, provides an unusual backdrop for a national side that rarely plays before such a large audience.

What does this mean for the rest of the group stage?

After a draw with Germany and a defeat to Ecuador, Curaçao needs two points to secure a knockout‑stage spot. The clash with Ivory Coast, a team known for its physical play, will decide whether Advocaat’s optimism is warranted. Chong believes hard work and team spirit are key: "We will have to work extremely hard," he concluded.