Ivory Coast beats Curacao 2-0 to reach World Cup knockout stage for the first time
A Nicolas Pepe double saw Ivory Coast past Curacao 2-0 in Philadelphia, booking a round-of-32 berth at the 2026 World Cup.
Historic achievement
Ivory Coast secured its first-ever place in a World Cup knockout phase following a 2-0 victory over debutants Curaçao at Lincoln Financial Field. The result lifted the Elephants to six points in Group E, level with Germany but second on tiebreakers. The match was controlled from the early minutes after Pepe struck in the 7th minute, punishing a defensive error by Curaçao's Gary.
Match flow
Diomande intercepted the loose pass and squared for Pepe, who tapped in. Ivory Coast continued to dictate possession and came close again through Diallo and Kessie. Curaçao's best spell came just before half-time, when Bacuna and Locadia forced shots wide. After the break, Floranus drew a sharp save from Fofana, but the second goal arrived on 64 minutes as Sangaré threaded a through-ball for Pepe to finish with his left foot.
Pepe the difference-maker
Nicolas Pepe, the Villarreal forward, was clinical on both occasions and ensured his team avoided a nervy finish. While Diomande was the creative spark on the left, it was Pepe's composure that converted two clear-cut chances. The Ivorians managed the closing stages with little alarm, preserving a clean sheet.
Group E standings and next opponent
Germany topped the group with six points after a simultaneous 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, but Ecuador still progressed as one of the best third-placed teams. Curaçao ended its first World Cup with a single point from a goalless draw with Ecuador. Ivory Coast will face the runners-up of Group 9, either France or Norway, on Tuesday in the round of 32.
Curacao's campaign
Coach Dick Advocaat's side was competitive throughout the tournament and troubled the Ivorians at times but lacked the cutting edge to convert their positive spells. Their point against Ecuador remains a high point for the Caribbean nation's maiden World Cup.
