FIFA World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast beat Curacao 2-0 to reach World Cup knockouts for first time
Philadelphia, June 26
Ivory Coast made history with a 2-0 victory over Curacao in their final Group E match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday, June 25, securing their place in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time ever.
A decisive brace from Nicolas Pepe powered Les Elephants to second place in Group E, ending Curacao's spirited debut campaign and sealing a landmark achievement for the African side.
Ivory Coast began with intent, controlling possession and pressing high from the outset. Their early dominance paid off in the seventh minute when a fluid move through midfield opened space for Pepe, who reacted quickest to a precise pass and calmly finished past Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room.
Curacao, needing a win to keep their knockout hopes alive, struggled to cope with Ivory Coast's intensity. Despite a few moments of promise, including a long-range attempt from Jurien Gaari, they found it difficult to break through the disciplined Ivorian defence marshalled by Ousmane Diomande and Odilon Kossounou.
After the break, Ivory Coast controlled the game's pace, closed down Curacao's attacking options, and dominated the midfield. Their composure proved decisive again in the 64th minute. Pepe combined smartly on the edge of the box before unleashing a powerful strike that flew beyond Room to complete his brace and effectively seal the contest.
With the brace, Pepe became just the fifth player to score more than once for Ivory Coast at the men's FIFA World Cup, according to Opta Analyst's X account.
From there, Ivory Coast shifted into game management mode, introducing fresh legs to maintain control and shut down any late resistance. Curacao pushed forward in search of a consolation but struggled to create clear openings as frustration crept into their play in the closing stages.
The result confirmed Ivory Coast's progression with six points in Group E, finishing behind Germany, who suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in the parallel fixture.
For Ivory Coast, it marks a breakthrough moment after multiple failed attempts at reaching the knockout stage in previous World Cup appearances. The team now await the Round of 32 clash, where they will face the runner-up of Group I, either France or Norway, in what promises to be a stern test of their newfound momentum.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian football fan, I know the pain of never reaching the knockouts. So happy for Ivory Coast—they've been consistent in African football for years. Pepe's brace was clinical. Hope we see more upsets in this World Cup! ⚽
Curacao fought hard but the gap in quality showed. Ivory Coast's defense was rock solid—Diomande and Kossounou deserve credit. The Pepe brace was world-class. Still, Curacao's debut campaign has been impressive for such a small nation. Well played both sides.
Really proud of Ivory Coast! African teams have been stepping up recently—Morocco's run in 2022, now this. But one thing I noticed: the midfield dominance was key. In Indian football, we struggle to control games like that. Hope our boys learn from such performances. 🙏
Good for Ivory Coast but Curacao's defeat shows how tough it is for smaller nations. Even with passion, you need world-class players to finish chances. Pepe is in a different league. India could learn a lot from how Ivory Coast built their team over the last 10 years.
Absolutely historic for Ivory Coast! 🎉 That Pepe goal in the 64th minute was a beauty. But let's be real—Curacao's debut was never going to be easy. Germany winning the group was expected, but a big test awaits Ivory Coast against France or Norway. Exciting times ahead!
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