World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast beat Curacao 2-0 to secure historic knockout stage qualification
Ivory Coast booked their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history after a 2-0 victory over Curacao on Thursday, inspired by a clinical brace from Nicolas Pepe.
The result confirmed the Elephants’ progression from Group E and marked a significant milestone for the team as they continue their strong run in the tournament.
From the opening stages at Lincoln Financial Field, Ivory Coast showed greater control and attacking intent, and they were rewarded early for their pressure.
In the 7th minute, Yan Diomande produced a well-timed pass that split the defence, finding Nicolas Pepe in space inside the box. The forward kept his composure and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner to give Ivory Coast a 1-0 lead.
Curacao responded with moments of threat as Leandro Bacuna almost levelled the match just before halftime, breaking through the defence but sending his close-range effort narrowly wide. Sherel Floranus also came close in the second half, firing an effort just over the crossbar after a rebound fell to him outside the box.
Ivory Coast, however, remained in control and doubled their advantage in the 64th minute. Ibrahim Sangare delivered a precise pass into the box, where Pepe found himself unmarked and finished clinically. This time around, he curled his effort into the top left corner to make it 2-0.
That second goal effectively sealed the contest and ensured Ivory Coast saw out the remainder of the match comfortably.
The victory secured second place in Group E with six points and confirmed Ivory Coast’s qualification to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in the tournament’s history.
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