Nicolas Pépé scored twice as Côte d’Ivoire beat Curaçao 2-0 to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the country’s history.
The Elephants finished second in Group E with six points from three matches. They opened with a 1-0 win over Ecuador, lost 2-1 to Germany, and sealed qualification with a victory over Curaçao.
Côte d’Ivoire controlled much of the match, enjoying 63 per cent possession to Curaçao’s 37 and winning six corners to four.
The Ivorians had 11 shots, with two on target, eight off target, and one blocked. Curaçao managed seven attempts, including three on target, three off target, and one blocked.
Despite Curaçao registering more shots on target, Pépé’s clinical finishing proved decisive as Côte d’Ivoire secured a historic place in the Round of 32.
Germany finished top of Group E on six points despite a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in their final group match, with Côte d’Ivoire taking second place to advance.
The defeat brought Curaçao’s World Cup debut to an end. They finished with one point after a goalless draw with Ecuador and defeats to Germany and Côte d’Ivoire.
